Parent Support

Being a parent is one of the most important jobs you will ever have.

Here are some tools to help you along the way.

CDC’s Milestone Tracker App

From birth to 5 years, your child should reach milestones in how he plays, learns, speaks, acts and moves. You can download a free app from the CDC called the Milestone Tracker App to track your child’s development. The app will help you watch for changes as your child grows so you can let your child’s doctor know if there are any problems.

Find a Doctor

It is very important your baby has a doctor as soon as possible to monitor development while also preventing, managing, and healing illness. If you need help finding a doctor for your baby or yourself, you can:

If you have Medicaid, call Arkansas Connect Care at 1-800-275-1131; or

Find a Local Health Unit near you by clicking hereto get services for your baby such as shots or WIC.

Stress

If you are feeling stressed your child will feel the stress, too. It is important to take care of yourself to keep your baby healthy.

It may be hard for you to play with and talk to your child if you are feeling sad or overwhelmed. This may be a sign of depression or worry. This happens to many people. The good news is this can be treated. To learn more, click here.

You can find tips on how you can protect your child from harmful stress under “Resources” located here.

Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding is the best way to feed your baby. Your local health unit has WIC staff who can answer your questions and help you get breastfeeding off to a good start. Call for an appointment today. We want to support you during this exciting time. Your Local Health Unit and WIC Clinic can help you with questions about shots for your child and breastfeeding support.

A is for ALONE. Your baby should never sleep with you, other adults, children, or pets.

B is for BACK. Place your baby to sleep on their back for every sleep, day or night. Once baby is able to comfortably roll over both ways (back to tummy, tummy to back), there is no need to move them if they roll over during sleep.

C is for CRIB. Place your baby to sleep in a safety-approved crib, bassinet, or play yard. They should never sleep in an adult bed or on a couch or chair.

Midwifery Complaint Form

Arkansas Provisional Licensure Application

Arkansas Interpreter Licensure Application

Onsite Wastewater System Installers

To find waste water installers in Arkansas, click HERE for the complete roster.

Designated Representatives

To find a Designated Representative in your area, please click HERE for the complete roster.

Bella Vista - Trafalgar Road Fire

The Arkansas Department of Health continues to work with partner state and federal agencies and the Bella Vista community regarding health concerns about the fire that has been burning at the 8000 block of Trafalgar Rd. in Bella Vista.

This is an ongoing fire. Health recommendations will likely change as the ADH continues to receive more information and data about the air around the site.

The ADH has reviewed data related to two different issues regarding the air quality around the site. First, ADH reviewed air data collected on chemicals. Chemicals cannot always be seen or smelled. Second, ADH reviewed air quality data collected on particulate matter (PM) that can be found in smoke.

The Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality has established a Community Information page for the Trafalgar Road fire. The webpage can be accessed by clicking here.

For the city of Bella Vista, regular updates on this fire can be found on the city's webpage.

National Guard 61st CST Data Collected:February 26-28, 2019

The Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) has evaluated air monitoring data collected by the 61st Civil Support Team (CST) from the Arkansas National Guard at the Trafalgar Road fire in Bella Vista. This three-day data collection was to establish a baseline prior to beginning site remediation. Based on these data, the general public is not likely to be at risk of exposure to chemicals in the air from the Trafalgar Road fire. Residents near the Trafalgar Road fire should continue to limit outdoor activity during smoky conditions to reduce their exposure to smoke and particulate matter.

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Data

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) provided air quality results collected from both on and around the site.

Samples from outside the boundaries of the site did not show high levels of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) or Semi-Volatile Organic Compounds (SVOCs), otherwise known as chemicals. Based on these samples, the general public does not appear to be at risk of exposure to dangerous chemicals in the air.

Samples collected within the boundaries of the site tested positive for benzene at elevated levels in the air. Benzene is a VOC and can cause health effects that are serious if a person is exposed to it either in high doses (a lot of it) or over a long amount of time. Because some people are exposed to this chemical through their jobs, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has set exposure limits of 1000-parts per billion of benzene in workplace air (1000 ppb) for 8 hour shifts during 40-hour work weeks.

The full health consultation letter provided to EPA can be found here.

New data received by the ADH from the EPA on December 19, 2018 do not change current ADH recommendations. To read the conclusions for the December 19th summary, click here.

New data received by the ADH form the EPA on February 28, 2019 do not change current ADH recommendations. To read the conclusions for the February 28th summary, click here.

Surface Water Samples

The ADH has conducted a review of surface water samples taken from the Trafalgar Road Fire site. These samples were collected by the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality’s (ADEQ) contractor, Ensafe.

Smoke and Particulate Matter (PM)

Particle pollution changes with weather conditions and over the course of a burn. The EPA provided air particulate matter (PM) monitoring in the ½ mile radius around the 8000 block of Trafalgar Road in Bella Vista. One of the readings reported to ADH on 12/12/18 showed that air quality for particle pollution was in the “Unhealthy” category. Even though air quality will likely change over time, this reading prompted the ADH to issue a Health Alert for the area around the fire. The other days of PM monitoring by EPA show levels decreased to “Moderate” or “Good.” Learn more about these categories here.

Based on the reading in the “Unhealthy” category, the ADH recommends that everyone who is near the 8000 block of Trafalgar Rd. should avoid prolonged or heavy exertion outdoors. Examples of exertion are running, playing or yardwork. In particular, those who suffer from breathing issues or lung diseases [such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD)]; those with heart disease; pregnant women; infants and young children; teenagers; and older adults can be more sensitive to the particulate matter in the air. If you are experiencing symptoms like ­­cough, congestion, sore throat, headache, allergies, respiratory distress, chest tightness or wheezing, please see your doctor or health care provider.

You can find the full ADH Health Alert that was posted on 12/12/18 here.

At the request of the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ), the January 24th review of the particulate matter air monitoring near the Trafalgar Road fire is available here.

Steps to take for your health when PM is high

The EPA has developed a guide to help people make informed decisions on outdoor activity related to all PM levels. The Air Quality Guide for Particle Pollution can be found here. Additionally, in the surrounding area, conditions change depending on weather and wind direction. Breathing in smoke may cause eye and respiratory tract (throat, chest and nose) discomfort and irritation.

Whenever it is possible, sensitive individuals should consider spending less time in the area when they can see smoke in the air. When smoke or strong odors are present, people in the area may protect themselves by taking the following actions:

If it looks smoky outside, it is a good idea to limit exertion (running, yardwork, playing) during outside activity.

If you have asthma or other lung diseases, you should follow your doctor’s directions or asthma management plan.

Run your Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system and keep your air filter clean.

If you smell or see smoke in your house, have heart or lung disease, if you are an older adult, or if you have a child, talk with your doctor about whether or when you should leave the area.

For additional information contact the Environmental Epidemiology Program at: adh.ts@arkansas.gov. For assistance outside of normal business hours, call 501-661-2136 and someone will call you back.

Community Concerns

Disciplinary Actions

The Arkansas State Board of Health has authority to license and regulate the practice of lay midwifery in the State of Arkansas pursuant to the Licensed Lay Midwife Act, Ark. Code Ann. §17-85-107.

Based on this provision, the Board may suspend, revoke, deny or place on probation any license issued under the Licensed Lay Midwife Act for violations of the act or deviations from the Rules and Regulations Governing the Practice of Licensed Lay Midwifery in Arkansas.

Brucellosis

What is Brucellosis?

Brucellosis is a bacterial disease, which may affect various organs of the body. The bacteria that causes this disease is primarily passed among animals such as sheep, goats, cattle, deer, pigs, dogs, and several other animals. Humans become infected after having contact with animals that are infected with Brucellosis. In Arkansas, and the rest of the United States, swine-associated brucellosis in humans is predominantly associated with exposure to infected feral swine (i.e., wild boar or wild hogs).

Who gets Brucellosis?

People of all ages who are exposed to the bacteria that cause the disease can get Brucellosis. It is more likely to be found in people associated with livestock. Brucellosis is not common in the United States.

What are the symptoms of Brucellosis?

Brucellosis can cause a wide range of symptoms that are similar to the flu and may include fever, sweats, headaches, back pains, and physical weakness. Severe infections of the nervous system or lining of the heart may occur. Brucellosis can also cause long-lasting or chronic symptoms that include recurrent fevers, joint pain, and fatigue or tiredness.

How is Brucellosis spread?

Brucellosis is spread to humans in one of three ways: by eating or drinking something that is contaminated with the germ that causes Brucellosis; by breathing the organism in, or by having the germ enter the body through an open wound. Generally, the most common way to become infected is by eating or drinking contaminated milk products. In Arkansas, people are infected most commonly by contact with blood, fluid or tissue while field dressing or butchering an infected feral hog. People can also get brucellosis by eating undercooked meat from an infected hog. Direct person-to-person spread is extremely rare.

How soon do symptoms appear?

The time period is highly variable, but the symptoms usually occur within five to sixty days after exposure.

Is a person with Brucellosis contagious?

Person-to-person spread is extremely rare. However, it has been reportedly spread through an infected mother’s breast milk to her infant and through sexual relations. Therefore, infected mothers should avoid breast-feeding their infants. Safe sex practices (the use of condoms) should always be practiced.

How is Brucellosis treated?

Brucellosis treatment may be difficult. Doctors may prescribe several effective antibiotics.

How common is Brucellosis in Arkansas?

Brucellosis infection is rare in Arkansas with only one or two cases per year. One case was reported in 2017. In 2016, three cases were reported.

How can Brucellosis be prevented?

Drinking and eating pasteurized products only can prevent Brucellosis. If you are not sure if the product has been pasteurized, then don’t eat or drink it. Hunters and herdsmen should use rubber gloves when handling dead animals. There currently is no vaccine for Brucellosis

Be Well Resources

1-833-283-WELL (9355)

Call today to speak to one of our trained counselors about tobacco cessation, diabetes management, or high blood pressure management. The Be Well Call Center is open during normal business hours, Monday-Friday from 8:00-4:00, except state holidays. If counselors are not available, callers can leave their contact information and receive a call back within one business day.

You may also text 501-588-8445 Monday through Friday between 8am and 4pm for tips, advice, and encouragement to help you quit and stay motivated.

If you are interested in wellness counseling or would like to be connected to local resources in your community to help with quitting tobacco, managing diabetes or managing high blood pressure, you can request those services here. Click the button below to fill out a brief form, and one of our Wellness Counselors will follow-up with you.

The program lasts 6-8 weeks, depending on your quit date. You will receive 3-5 messages per day. The text messages provide tips, advice, and encouragement to help you overcome challenges and stay motivated.

Use the keywords for extra help at any time. Text CRAVE, MOOD, or SLIP to 47848.

Get 24/7 support with a Smokefree app for your smartphone. These free apps offer help just for you based on your smoking patterns, moods, motivation to quit, and quitting goals. Tag the locations and times of day when you need extra support. Available for iOS and Android phones.

QuitGuide

QuitGuide is a free app that helps you understand your smoking patterns and build the skills needed to become and stay smokefree.

QuitGuide helps you:

Track craving and slips by times of day and location

Track your mood and smoking triggers

Stay motivated with inspirational messages

Identify your reasons for quitting

Get tips and distractions for dealing with cravings and bad moods

Monitor your progress toward achieving smokefree milestones

Create a journal entries

Available for download on:

NOTE: Advanced functionality currently only available for Apple users.

QuitGuide is a product of Smokefree.gov—a smoking cessation resource created by the Tobacco Control Research Branch at the National Cancer Institute in collaboration with tobacco control professionals and smoking cessation experts and with input from ex-smokers.

Questions?

Technical support is available to help you download and use the QuitGuide app. If you need help or have any questions, please contact smokefreeteam@icfi.com.

QuitSTART

The quitSTART app takes the information you provide about your smoking history and gives you tailored tips, inspiration, and challenges to help you become smokefree.

The quitSTART app helps you:

Get ready to quit with tips and information to prepare you for becoming smokefree

Monitor your progress and earn badges for smokefree milestones and other achievements

Get back on track if you slip and smoke

Manage cravings and bad moods in healthy ways

Distract yourself from cravings with games and challenges

Store helpful tips, inspirations, and challenges in your Quit Kit

Share your progress and favorite tips through social media

The quitSTART app is a product of Smokefree.gov, a smoking cessation resource created by the Tobacco Control Research Branch at the National Cancer Institute in collaboration with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and input from tobacco control professionals, smoking cessation experts, and ex-smokers.

Questions?

Technical support is available to help you download and use quitSTART. If you need help or have any questions, please contact smokefreeteam@icfi.com.

HealthyYouTXT

Text programs to help you live a healthier lifestyle. You can sign up or opt-out at any time.

Click the chat button below to speak with a Bell Well Arkansas counselor about resources you can use to improve your health. The chat services are available Monday through Friday from 8am to 4pm.

Diabetes Prevention Programs (DPP)

To find a Diabetes Prevention Program near you, click on the map below.

Prevention/Healthy Living

Including habits in your daily routine, like physical activity and a healthy diet, can improve your health and well-being and reduce the risk of chronic diseases like diabetes, high blood pressure and obesity. For people with chronic diseases, making healthy lifestyle changes can help to manage these conditions and complications.

Nutrition

The foods we eat have a huge impact on our health and how long we live. The combination of an unhealthy diet and too little physical activity is indirectly the second leading cause of death in the United States. Obesity is considered one of the top two causes of death that can be prevented.

Small but simple changes can help keep you and your family living healthy, active lives. Healthy Active Arkansas has resources that can help you, your family, your workplace, your faith-based group, and even your community get started on a path to lifelong health and well-being.

Manage High Blood Pressure

What is Blood Pressure?

Blood pressure is how hard your blood pushes against the walls of your arteries when your heart pumps blood. Arteries are the tubes that carry blood away from your heart. Every time your heart beats, it pumps blood through your arteries to the rest of your body.

Blood pressure normally rises and falls throughout the day, but can damage your heart and cause health problems if it stays high for too long (also known as hypertension).

Do You Have High Blood Pressure? Know Your Numbers.

The only way to know if you have high blood pressure is to have it tested. Understanding those results can help you manage or control high blood pressure.

According to the American Heart Association, these are healthy and unhealthy blood pressure ranges (click on the chart below for more information):

It is important that people with high blood pressure monitor their blood pressure regularly. Being aware of your numbers can alert you to any changes or patterns.

Sit correctly. Sit with your back straight and supported (on a dining chair, rather than a sofa). Your feet should be flat on the floor and your legs should not be crossed. Your arm should be supported on a flat surface (such as a table) with the upper arm at heart level. Make sure the bottom of the cuff is placed directly above the bend of the elbow. Check your monitor's instructions for an illustration or have your healthcare provider show you how.

Measure at the same time every day. It’s important to take the readings at the same time each day, such as morning and evening. It is best to take the readings daily however ideally beginning 2 weeks after a change in treatment and during the week before your next appointment.

Take multiple readings and record the results. Each time you measure, take two or three readings one minute apart and record the results using a printable (PDF) or online tracker. If your monitor has built-in memory to store your readings, take it with you to your appointments. Some monitors may also allow you to upload your readings to a secure website after you register your profile.

If you have been diagnosed with high blood pressure, and you have healthcare coverage, check with your provider to see what resources are available to you.

Here are some additional resources, where you can get help. Remember, you are not alone!

Team-based care that includes you, your doctor, and other health care providers can help reduce and control blood pressure. If you already have high blood pressure, your doctor may prescribe medications and lifestyle changes. Lifestyle changes are just as important as medications. Follow your doctor’s instructions and stay on your medications. Do not stop taking your medications before talking to your doctor or pharmacist. All drugs may have side effects, so talk to your doctor regularly. As your blood pressure improves, your doctor will check it often.

Lifestyle Coaches

The ADH has Lifestyle Coaches in every region of the state. Lifestyle Coaches have been trained to help you set and meet goals to live a healthier life. You will learn to:

Eat healthy without giving up all the foods you love

Add physical activity to your life, even if you don’t think you have time

Deal with stress

Cope with challenges that can derail your hard work—like how to choose healthy food when eating out

Get back on track if you stray from your plan—because everyone slips now and then

Hypertension Nurse Managers

Some Local Health Units have Care Managers who can work with your healthcare provider to help you manage your high blood pressure. They will assist you with your medicines, checking your blood pressure, and lifestyle changes.

If you are interested in working with a Care Manager or Lifestyle Coach to manage your high blood pressure, call Be Well Arkansas or fill out the online form below to request services.

Medication Therapy Management (MTM)

If you have health conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes, you may be taking a lot of medicines. To make sure you are getting the best results from your medicines, Medication Therapy Management (MTM) is a program offered by many pharmacies to help make sure the prescription drugs you're taking are working for you. It also helps us identify any potential problems.

Medication Therapy Management (MTM) pharmacists work closely with you and your doctors to help you get the best results from taking your medicines and make sure there are no problems. They will review the medicines you are taking and answer any questions you may have. An MTM pharmacist will make sure that:

You are taking the right amount of medicine.

Your medicines are not interacting with each other.

You are taking only the medicines you need.

Any vitamins, supplements and over-the-counter drugs you are taking are safe and effective.

Manage Diabetes

What is Diabetes?

Diabetes is a disease that occurs when your blood glucose, also called blood sugar, is too high. Blood glucose is your main source of energy and comes from the food you eat. Insulin, a hormone made by the pancreas, helps glucose from food get into your cells to be used for energy. Sometimes your body doesn’t make enough—or any—insulin or doesn’t use insulin well. Glucose then stays in your blood and doesn’t reach your cells.

You can find out if you are at risk by texting “RISKTEST” to 97779 or click “TAKE THE RISK TEST” in the box below.

If You Have Diabetes or Prediabetes, What Do You Do Next?

Talk with your health care provider at your next visit. If you have healthcare coverage, check with your provider to see what diabetes resources are available to you.

If you have been diagnosed with either Prediabetes or Diabetes, here’s where you can get help. Remember, you are not alone!

Diabetes Prevention Programs for Those at Risk of Diabetes

Our Diabetes Prevention Program is delivered by a trained lifestyle coach to facilitate a small group of adults to discuss behavior changes that can improve their participant’s health. By learning how to become more physically active, eating healthy, managing stress, learning copping strategies; and receiving support can make a positive change in your life. To find a program near you, click here or click on the map below.

Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support Program

Our Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support Program, helps patients create new, healthier lifestyles that will keep diabetes under control. The program explains what diabetes is and tells you how to recognize and manage the symptoms, how to monitor sugar and blood pressure levels, how to increase your physical activity and how to make smarter food choices. To find out if there is a program near you, click here or click on the map below. If you don’t live in one of the blue counties above, call toll free 1-877-375-5700, option 2 to get information on programs hosted by AFMC.

Lifestyle Coaches

The ADH has Lifestyle Coaches in every region of the state. Lifestyle Coaches have been trained to help you set and meet goals to live a healthier life. You will learn to:

Eat healthy without giving up all the foods you love

Add physical activity to your life, even if you don’t think you have time

Deal with stress

Cope with challenges that can derail your hard work—like how to choose healthy food when eating out

Get back on track if you stray from your plan—because everyone slips now and then

If you are interested in working with a coach to manage diabetes or high blood pressure, call Be Well Arkansas or fill out the online form below to request services.

Medication Therapy Management (MTM)

If you have health conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes, you may be taking a lot of medicines. Medication Therapy Management (MTM) is a program offered by many pharmacies to help make sure the prescription drugs you're taking are working for you. MTM pharmacists work closely with you and your doctors to help you get the best results from your medicines and make sure there are no problems. They will review the medicines you are taking and answer any questions you may have. An MTM pharmacist will make sure that:

You are taking the right amount of medicine.

Your medicines are not interacting with each other.

You are taking only the medicines you need.

Any vitamins, supplements and over-the-counter drugs you are taking are safe and effective.

If you have Diabetes or pre-Diabetes, the AADE 7 Self-Care Behaviors are essential to managing it. These skills were developed by the American Association of Diabetes Educators and are listed below. For more on each of these behaviors, click here.

Quit Tobacco

Putting tobacco behind us takes strength. But here’s the good news: Quitting – and helping others to quit – is well within reach. Finding your way to this site means that you’ve already taken the most important first step.

Whether you’re a tobacco user looking to quit, or an advocate helping others find a healthier life, we’re here to make sure you don’t have to go it alone. This is your place for the support and tools you need to quit. Quitting tobacco and nicotine, in their various forms, takes a community of support. You’ve just found yours – welcome home.

Have You Built a Quit Plan?

One of the keys to a successful quit is preparation. A great way to prepare to quit smoking is to create a quit plan. Quit plans:

Combine quit smoking strategies to keep you focused, confident, and motivated to quit

Help you identify challenges you will face as you quit and ways to overcome them

Can improve your chances of quitting smoking for good

The following steps will help you to create your own customized quit plan. As you move through the steps, keep a record of your plan and have it readily available during your quit.

Pick a Quit Date

When it comes to choosing a quit date, sooner is better than later. Many smokers choose a date within two weeks to quit smoking. This will give you enough time to prepare. Really think about your quit date. Avoid choosing a day where you know you will be busy, stressed, or tempted to smoke (e.g., a night out with friends or days where you may smoke at work).

Next Step: Circle your quit day on your calendar. Write it out somewhere where you will see it every day. This will remind you of your decision to become smokefree and give you time to prepare to quit.

Let Loved Ones Know You Are Quitting

Quitting smoking is easier with support from important people in your life. Let them know ahead of your quit date that you are planning to quit. Explain how they can help you quit. We all need different things, so be sure you let friends and family know exactly how they can help.

Next Step: Support is one of the keys to successfully quitting. However, it can be hard to ask for help, even from the people closest to you. Review tips on getting support to make sure you get the help you need.

Remove Reminders of Smoking

Getting rid of smoking reminders can keep you on track during your quit. Smoking reminders can include your cigarettes, matches, ashtrays, and lighters. It may also help to make things clean and fresh at work‚ in your car‚ and at home. Even the smell of cigarettes can cause a cigarette craving.

Next Step: Throw away all your cigarettes and matches. Give or throw away your lighters and ashtrays. Don't save one pack of cigarettes "just in case."

Identify Your Reasons to Quit Smoking

Everyone has their own reasons for quitting smoking. Maybe they want to be healthier, save some money, or keep their family safe. As you prepare to quit, think about your own reasons for quitting. Remind yourself of them every day. They can inspire you to stop smoking for good.

Next Step: Make a list of all the reasons you want to quit smoking. Keep it in a place where you can see it every day. Any time you feel the urge to smoke, review your list. It will keep you motivated to stay smokefree.

Identify Your Smoking Triggers

When you smoke, it becomes tied to many parts of your life. Certain activities, feelings, and people are linked to your smoking. When you come across these things, they may "trigger" or turn on your urge to smoke. Try to anticipate these smoking triggers and develop ways to deal with them.

Next Step: Make a list of everything that makes you feel like smoking. Now, write down one way you can deal with or avoid each item on your list. Keep this list nearby during your quit. Having trouble with your list? Find examples of ways to deal with smoking triggers on this cravings page.

Develop Coping Strategies

Nicotine is the chemical in cigarettes that makes you addicted to smoking. When you stop smoking, your body has to adjust to no longer having nicotine in its system. This is called withdrawal. Withdrawal can be unpleasant, but you can get through it. Developing strategies to cope with withdrawal ahead of your quit can help ensure you stay smokefree for good!

Next Steps: Medications and behavior changes can help you manage the symptoms of withdrawal. Many quit smoking medications are available over the counter. Make sure you have them on hand prior to your quit. While medications will help, they can't do all the work for you. Develop other quit smoking strategies to use with medications. Remember that withdrawal symptoms‚ including cravings‚ will fade with every day that you stay smokefree.

Have Places You Can Turn to For Immediate Help

Quitting smoking is hardest during the first few weeks. You will deal with uncomfortable feelings, temptations to smoke, withdrawal symptoms, and cigarette cravings. Whether it is a quitline, support group, or good friend, make sure you have quit smoking support options available at all times.

Next Steps: Plan on using multiple quit smoking support options. Keep them handy in case you need them during your quit. Here a few options you may want to consider:

Support Groups: Visit your county or state government's website to see if they offer quit smoking programs in your area.

Friends and Family: Getting support from the important people in your life can make a big difference during your quit.

Medications: If you are using a quit smoking medication, such as the patch, gum, or lozenges, make sure you have them on hand.

Set Up Rewards for Quit Milestones

Quitting smoking happens one minute, one hour, one day at a time. Reward yourself throughout your quit. Celebrate individual milestones, including being 24 hours smokefree, one week smokefree, and one month smokefree. Quitting smoking is hard, be proud of your accomplishments.

Next Steps: You should be proud every time you hit a quit smoking milestone. Treat yourself with a nice dinner, day at the movies, or any other smokefree activity. Plan out your milestones ahead of time and set up a smokefree reward for each one.

Content provided and maintained by Smokefree.gov and the National Cancer Institute at the National Institutes of Health.

Be Well Arkansas

Be Well Arkansas website coming soon!

Whatever you want to be—a good parent, a great athlete, a role model, etc.—it all starts with being well. An active, healthy lifestyle is key to being at the top of your game. It’s never too late to make decisions to help you lead a healthier lifestyle, and to be the best version of you that you can be. Being well is the first step.

Arkansas Heart Attack Registry Participating Hospitals

Participating Hospitals

County

Arkansas Heart Hospital

Pulaski

Baptist Health Medical Center - Conway

Faulkner

Baptist Health Medical Center - Little Rock

Pulaski

Baptist Health Medical Center - North Little Rock

Pulaski

Baxter Regional Medical Center

Baxter

CHI St. Vincent Hot Springs

Garland

CHI St. Vincent Infirmary

Pulaski

CHI St. Vincent North

Pulaski

Conway Regional Medical Center

Faulkner

Jefferson Regional Medical Center

Jefferson

Medical Center of South Arkansas

Union

Mercy Hospital Fort Smith

Sebastian

Mercy Hospital Northwest Arkansas

Benton

Methodist University Hospital

Shelby

National Park Medical Center

Garland

NEA Baptist Memorial Hospital

Craighead

Northwest Medical Center-Bentonville

Benton

Northwest Medical Center-Springdale

Washington/Benton

Saline Memorial Hospital

Saline

Sparks Health System

Sebastian

St. Benard's Medical Center

Craighead

St. Mary's Regional Medical Center

Pope

Unity Health - White County Medical Center

White

University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences

Pulaski

Washington Regional Medical Center

Washington

White River Medical Center

Independence

POLST

POLST stands for Physician Orders for Life Sustaining Treatment.

High quality and personalized end of life care continues to be a significant challenge in America. The current standard of care during an emergency is for emergency medical services (EMS) to attempt everything possible to attempt to save a life, however, not everyone wants every available treatment. Having a discussion with a physician, and completing a POLST form is one way to ensure that an individual's preferences are respected, recorded, and followed.

Office of the Chief Science Officer

The mission of the Office of the Chief Science Officer (CSO) is to promote scientific excellence in all programmatic, educational, and public health research activities of the Arkansas Department of Health (ADH). The office of the CSO works with the Department’s scientists, epidemiologists, and external researchers to promote professional development and to further scientific analyses and investigations of various sources of data.

Additionally, the office is responsible for overseeing the units of Performance Management, Quality Improvement, and Evaluation. The Performance Management unit assists with the agency’s strategic plan management, maintenance of the performance dashboard, and maintains the Public Health Accreditation Board (PHAB) compliance and documentation. The Quality Improvement unit works to develop a culture of continuous quality improvement (QI) within the agency by conducting QI training and overseeing QI projects. The Evaluation Support unit (under development) provides support and consultation for program evaluation and works to incorporate evaluation into funding proposals.

Objectives of the Office of the Chief Science Officer include:

Ensuring long-term scientific investments at ADH;

Upholding scientific ideals, and creating an environment of scientific excellence and innovation;

Providing coordination for ADH public health research activities;

Encouraging and promoting collaborative scientific and educational activities with institutions of higher learning;

Maintaining the integrity of the agency’s scientists by supporting training and information exchange, and providing direction on matters of scientific integrity;

Assuring the protection of human subjects in public health research activities that use ADH databases and information;

Managing the confidentiality functions of ADH for sensitive research data;

Promoting institutional performance through a goal-oriented and data-driven management system;

Maintaining an atmosphere of continuous quality improvement;

Supporting program evaluation activities to optimize program delivery;

Facilitating and maintaining compliance with, and adherence to, the ADH Misconduct Policy, with HIPAA requirements, and with the terms of the Federal Wide Assurance for the Protection of Human Subjects.

Below are materials that contain information about the purpose and objectives of the Office of the Chief Science Officer. Additionally, information about accessing data for research and public use purposes is provided. Agency-specific interactive reports on quality and performance improvement metrics are tracked using our dashboard tool.

Requestors should work with program staff to confirm availability and reliability of variables needed for the project

2. Obtain IRB approval

Institutional IRB approval or waiver must be obtained prior to completing the data request form

3. Complete data request form

The online data request form provides the agency with background, purpose, variables requested, and other information for consideration

4. Science Advisory Committee (SAC) Review

The SAC meets every 2nd and 4th Friday at 2pm to review data requests. The SAC may approve, ask for modifications, or deny data requests

5. Data Use Agreement and Memorandum of Understanding

Fulfillment of data requests are initiated after the Data Use Agreement and Memorandum of Understanding are signed by agency staff and requestors

Medical and Dental Professionals

The ADH has developed a number of new statewide dental initiatives through various partnerships. Read our latest Arkansas Oral Health Surveillance Plan, which outlines our initiatives to promote oral health in Arkansas. A few are highlighted below.

Interprofessional Care

Many Arkansans have limited access to routine preventive care, which can lead to untreated decay. In 2011, Arkansas passed important legislation to combat this issue, Act 89 and Act 90.

In 2011, the Arkansas General Assembly passed Act 89 which lead to the development of the Dental Hygienist Collaborative Care Program (DHCC). This allows registered dental hygienists who work under collaborative care permits with licensed dentists to deliver preventive dental services in public setting to underserved children and older adults.

Arkansas has a total of 75 counties, 54 of which are rural. Sixty percent of the state’s dentists practice in just eight of the state’s 75 counties, although these eight counties have only 40 percent of the state’s population. Nineteen Arkansas counties are designated whole or in part Dental Health Professions Shortage Areas (HPSA). Five counties have no dentists at all.

Arkansas Dental Health Professional Shortage Area Map

Key Points:

Consulting dentists and collaborative care dental hygienists must apply with the Office of Oral Health in the Arkansas Department of Health for permission to practice collaborative care in qualifying underserved areas. That permission must be confirmed annually.

The Office of Oral Health is required to develop and maintain a list of communities and/or rural areas prioritized as to need for dental services, so that collaborative services can be directed to those areas in greatest need.

Making It Happen

Those hygienists wishing to practice Dental Hygiene Collaborative Care in conjunction with their consulting dentist must apply for permits from both the ADH’s Office of Oral Health and the Arkansas State Board of Dental Examiners.

Despite advancements in water fluoridation, patient education and the dental workforce, an increase in childhood tooth decay still exists. In response, the United States Preventive Services Task Force proposed the application of fluoride varnish by medical providers. In 2011, the Arkansas legislature passed Act 90 allowing Arkansas physicians, nurses, and other licensed health care professionals in addition to dentists, dental hygienists, and dental assistants to apply and get reimbursed for fluoride varnish. Medical providers can serve as the first line of defense against cavities since they tend to see children more often and sooner than dentists. Here’s a video on how fluoride varnish is applied at a well-child visit.

Paint A Smile

The Office of Oral Health has developed a program called Paint A Smile to introduce fluoride varnishes to medical personnel in Arkansas. This is an ideal time for medical personnel to perform oral risk assessments, apply fluoride varnish, and encourage the caregivers to connect with a dental home for routine dental care.

The program goals are to:

Close the gaps that exist for children who do not have regular access to comprehensive dental care

Reduce the risk of dental caries

Initiate a referral to a dental home

Educate caregivers about tooth decay and prevention

Fluoride Varnish Training

To start applying fluoride varnish in your office please contact us HERE to schedule a free, on-site training with one of our knowledgeable Smile Ambassadors. This training will provide your office with:

More personalized information

Fluoride Varnish Starter Kit

State-specific billing codes

Lessons learned from other offices

You can also become certified to apply fluoride varnish through Arkansas Train, an online training network. Please review these instructions and go to https://ar.train.org/ to complete the required course.

Course Title: Caries Risk Assessment, Fluoride Varnish and Counseling

Course ID: 1040373

Choose Safe Places for Early Childhood Care and Education

Did you know that children are usually more sensitive than adults to toxic chemicals? Toxic chemicals like lead, air pollution, and industrial solvents can all have lifelong impacts on a young child. There are three ways that children typically come into contact with dangerous chemicals:

Breathing the chemical in the air.

Eating or drinking the chemical.

Getting the chemical on the skin or in the eyes.

Since many young children spend time in child care, it’s important that child care facilities consider whether toxic chemicals are present on their property. The Arkansas Department of Health’s Choose Safe Places program helps child care facilities assess their properties for toxic chemicals.

Where can toxic chemicals come from?

Toxic chemicals can end up in a child care facility in several different ways.

Previous uses of the property

​​If the property was used before by a factory, dry cleaner, warehouse, or other industry, there might be toxic chemicals left behind. Even cigarette smoking can leave behind a layer of chemicals in the building.

Nearby businesses, highways, and railroads

​​In an accident, toxic chemicals can spill from trucks or railcars. Nearby businesses, especially those in the same building, could be using chemicals at a level that is okay for adults but dangerous for children.

Construction materials

​​Before 1978, building materials that had lead and asbestos were widely sold in the United States. These harmful chemicals can still remain in older buildings.

Naturally occurring sources

​​Some chemicals, like arsenic and radon, are naturally occurring in certain deposits underground.

What can I do to protect young children in child care?

If you’re concerned about potential toxic chemical exposure in a child care facility, contact us for expert help. We can help child care facilities, both new and existing, review their properties for the potential presence of toxic chemicals. We provide expertise and knowledge, though we cannot test samples or do remediation. Tell us more about your concerns by contacting us using the information below.

Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD)

What is CWD?

CWD is a central nervous system disease caused by prions (infectious proteins) that affects North American cervids (mule deer, white-tailed deer, elk, and moose). Prion proteins are found in the brains of normal healthy animals. Researchers believe prion disease is caused by misfolding of normal prion proteins, which leads to brain damage.

CWD is similar to “mad cow disease” in cattle, scrapie in sheep, and Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) in humans. It is fatal to animals and there is no vaccine available. The protein that can cause CWD can pass directly from animal to animal and indirectly through the environment. Prions are found in saliva, feces, urine, blood, and decaying carcasses. Once in the environment, CWD prions may remain infectious for many years. Decaying infected carcasses and infected "gut piles" from hunters who field dress their deer where it is harvested have the potential to infect other animals if left in the field.

Is CWD dangerous to humans?

As a precaution, the CDC and Arkansas Department of Health recommend that people and other animals do not eat deer or elk that appear to have CWD. If the protein that can cause CWD could spread to people, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports it would most likely be through eating infected deer and elk and it might cause a human illness similar to CWD, such as CJD. However, there is no strong evidence of that happening in people and it is not known if people can get infected. Hunters must consider the level of risk they are willing to accept when deciding whether to eat meat from deer or elk from areas with CWD, and they should check state wildlife and public health guidance to see whether testing of animals is recommended or required in a given region.

Should I take precautions even if an animal has no evidence of CWD?

It can take a long time for animals exposed to CWD to show symptoms. Animals may appear normal for an extended period of time even though they are infected, and even normal-looking animals harvested in a CWD zone should be tested. While prions may be present in a variety of tissues and body fluids, including blood and muscle, they are most common in the brain, eyes, spinal cord, lymph nodes, tonsils and spleen. Hunters should wear gloves and debone harvested mammals in the field, and take extra precautions when handling organs where prions are most likely to be. If you wish to have your animal tested for CWD, contact the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC) for information regarding appropriate procedures and submission locations.

Simple Precautions Advised for Hunters

Public health officials advise hunters not to consume meat from animals believed or known to be infected with CWD or any other disease. Since it’s not always apparent that a deer may be carrying a disease, hunters should take simple precautions.

Do not consume the meat from any animal that tests positive for the disease.

Do not eat an animal that was thought to be sick at the time of harvest. Avoid/limit handling of carcasses of sick animals.

Contact AGFC if you encounter an animal that appears sick.

Precautions That Hunters Should Always Follow:

Wear latex or rubber gloves when field dressing your deer or elk. Use knives and equipment dedicated for processing deer.

Debone the meat. Don't saw through bone, and avoid cutting through the brain or spinal cord (backbone). AGFC has posted a video on how to do this.

Minimize the handling of brain and spinal tissues.

Wash hands and instruments thoroughly after the cleaning/processing is completed. Soak equipment in a 50/50 solution of chlorine bleach and water for one hour after processing.

If you have your deer or elk commercially processed, request that your animal is processed individually, without meat from other animals being added to meat from your animal.

Disposal of Carcasses

Little is known about whether infected mammal parts pose a risk to the environment; researchers have discovered that prions readily attach to various elements in the soil and remain infectious for many years. Therefore, it is recommended that bones and other parts of the carcass of an animal suspected or known to have CWD be double bagged in strong garbage bags and disposed of at a lined landfill with an approved dead animal disposal area. AGFC also recommends, whenever possible, carcasses should remain near where the deer was harvested, preferably buried two feet deep or deep enough to prevent scavengers from digging up the remains.

Midwife, Licensed Lay

HAI & Antimicrobial Stewardship Trainings

Health care-associated infections (HAIs) are infections people get while they are receiving health care for another condition. HAIs can happen in any health care facility, including hospitals, ambulatory surgical centers, end-stage renal disease facilities, and long-term care facilities. HAIs can be caused by bacteria, fungi, viruses, or other, less common pathogens.

HAIs are a significant cause of illness and death — and they can have devastating emotional, financial, and medical consequences. At any given time, about 1 in 25 inpatients have an infection related to hospital care. These infections lead to the loss of tens of thousands of lives and cost the U.S. health care system billions of dollars each year.

Antimicrobial stewardship works in tandem with HAI prevention as it promotes the appropriate use of antimicrobials, improves patient outcomes, reduces microbial resistance, and decreases the spread of infections caused by multidrug-resistant organisms.

Adoption File Requests

Act 519 of 2017 provides individuals who were adopted, and are at least 21 years of age, the ability to request their adoption file from the Arkansas Department of Health (ADH). An ADH adoption file usually includes an original birth certificate and adoption decree, although what is included in a file can vary depending on the adoption. The law also allows for birth parents to redact their name from an adoption file and update family history and contact preference by submitting that information to ADH.

Information for Birth Parents

Birth parents may complete forms to redact their name from an adoption file as well as update their family history information and contact preference. They can request to be contacted by the adopted child directly, through a third party or not at all, although the ADH cannot guarantee that request will be followed.

To submit a request, a birth parent must show proof of their identity, submit a notarized form and update their genetic or social history. A form cannot be submitted by one birth parent for another.

These forms are now available for birth parents who wish to redact their name from an adoption file, or update their contact or medical information.

Information for Adoptees

Beginning August 1, 2018, individuals who were adopted may request their adoption file. Written requests for adoption files will be accepted starting Wednesday, Aug. 1, by adoptees or, upon their death, a surviving spouse or a guardian of their child. That request must be notarized and include proof of their identity. There is a $100 fee for adoption files.

Hepatitis A

The ADH is responding to an outbreak in Northeast Arkansas. Since February 2018, 294 cases have been reported as part of this outbreak. To learn more about this outbreak and guidance issued by ADH, you can find the press releases here.

Hep A Situational Awareness Map

*Cell counts less than 5 are redacted to ensure confidentiality.

What is hepatitis A?

Hepatitis A is a vaccine-preventable, highly contagious liver disease caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV).

How is hepatitis A spread?

It is transmitted person-to-person when a person ingests tiny amounts of fecal matter from contact with objects, food or drinks contaminated by the feces of an infected person. It can also be spread from close personal contact with an infected person, for example, through sex or caring for someone who is ill.

Food contamination by hepatitis A can happen at any point – growing, harvesting, processing, handling or even after cooking. However, the CDC states food or water contamination is more likely to occur in countries where hepatitis A is more common and in areas where there are poor sanitary conditions or poor personal hygiene. In the United States, chlorination of water kills HAV that enters the water supply, and the Food and Drug Administration routinely monitors natural bodies of water used for recreation.

How great is the risk for hepatitis A?

In 2016, the CDC reported there were an estimated 4,000 hepatitis A cases in the United States. The number of cases has declined by more than 95 percent since the Hepatitis A vaccine became available in 1995.

While anyone can get hepatitis A, in the United States, the CDC cautions the follow groups of people are at a higher risk:

People who have direct contact with someone who has hepatitis A

Travelers to countries where hepatitis A is common

Men who have sexual contact with men

People who use drugs, both injection and non-injection drugs

Household members or caregivers of a recent adoptee from countries where hepatitis is common

What are the symptoms of hepatitis A?

If you have hepatitis A, you may have:

Fever

Fatigue

Loss of appetite

Nausea

Vomiting

Abdominal pain

Dark urine

Clay-colored feces

Joint pain

yellowing of the skin and eyes (known as jaundice)

Older children and adults typically have symptoms that can appear to develop abruptly. Most children younger than age 6 do not have symptoms and, when symptoms are presents, young children typically do not have jaundice.

Symptoms may appear within two to seven weeks, although typically symptoms start to show four weeks after exposure. Symptoms usually last less than two months, but about 10 to 15 percent of people can have symptoms last as long as six months.

An infected person can pass the virus to others up to two weeks before symptoms appear.

What steps can you take to prevent hepatitis A?

The best way to prevent hepatitis A is by practicing good hand hygiene – including thoroughly washing hands after using the bathroom, changing diapers and before preparing or eating food – and through vaccination.

The hepatitis A vaccine is safe, effective and given as two shots, six months apart. Both shots are needed for long-term protection. It can be given to people with compromised immune systems, and getting extra doses of the vaccine is not harmful.

The hepatitis A vaccine is recommended for school children. As of 2014, one dose of the vaccine is required for entry into kindergarten and first grade. Most adults are likely not vaccinated, unless they received vaccinations prior to traveling internationally.

The vaccine will only protect you against hepatitis A. There is a separate vaccine available for hepatitis B, although there is a combination hepatitis A and hepatitis B vaccine that can be given to anyone age 18 or older. This combination vaccine is given as three shots over six months. There is no vaccine for hepatitis C at this time.

What should you do if you suspect exposure to hepatitis A?

People who believe they have been exposed to hepatitis A should contact a health professional or their local health unit if they have never been vaccinated against hepatitis A or are unsure of their vaccination status. A blood test is available for hepatitis A screening.

Even after exposure, a person can effectively prevent getting hepatitis A if he or she receives the hepatitis A vaccine or an immune globulin injection, which contains antibodies to hepatitis A, within two weeks of exposure. If illness does occur, it will usually be milder after receiving immune globulin.

What if you have hepatitis A?

There are no specific treatments once a person gets hepatitis A. Doctors usually recommend rest, adequate nutrition and fluids to treat symptoms, although some people will need additional medical care at a hospital.

The disease can range from a mild illness lasting a few weeks to a severe illness lasting several months. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, although rare, hepatitis A can cause liver failure and death in some people. This is more common in people who are at least 50 years old and in people with other liver diseases.

Once you recover from hepatitis A, you develop antibodies that protect you from the virus for life.

County Health Fact Sheets

Making Your County Healthier

The Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) is a centralized public health system with four main Centers and the Public Health Laboratory that work with 94 local health units to provide clinical preventive services, administer public health programs, and issue licenses and certifcates. Everything at ADH is done because we believe that communities can be healthier and safer, and people can live longer. Below are fact sheets for every county in Arkansas.

Cosmetology & Massage Therapy Complaint Form

Vital Records Support

Thank you for using our online system for ordering your birth, death, marriage or divorce certificate. ADH plans to gradually roll out vital records services in all local health units. As additional counties roll out services, we will provide updates. Click here to check your Local Public Health Unit.

Below are some common questions about online orders.

How long will it take to receive my order?

Please allow 7-14 business days from the date your order is approved plus additional shipping time. This time is not guaranteed and may be longer or shorter based upon the number of requests received.

How can I check the status of my order?

You will receive an email each time the status of your order changes, and a final notice when it has been mailed to you.

What do I do if I need to cancel my order?

I have a different question.

Notice to Water Operatior

Lead and Copper Rule

Please take a moment to read the “Instructions for Sampling” and look over the Lead and Copper Rule “Sample Collection Report”.

You will notice that the Lead and Copper Rule “Sample Collection Report” is 7 pages long with 15 site numbers per page. The number of pages you use will depend on the size of your system. The pages have sample sites numbered in sequence from YL001 to YL105.

Make a copy of the “Instructions for Sampling” for each customer who will collect a sample. For example, if you need to collect 10 samples, you will need 10 copies of the Instruction form.

The customer should read the instructions carefully. Write down the date and time he or she last used the water tap and the date and time they collected the water sample. The elapsed time between the two events must be at least 6 hours. The water must remain motionless in the pipes for at least 6 hours.

Please take the information the customer provided on the “Instructions for Sampling” form and transfer this information onto the Sample Collection Report.

The Certification Form and the Sample Collection Report must accompany your samples. If any of the forms are missing, the samples will not be processed. It is best to place both forms in a water proof container, such as a freezer bag!

Failure to complete the Sample Collection Report and/or the Certification Form correctly may result in a delay of your samples being processed. A delay may cause your samples to expire and necessitate re-sampling.

When submitting samples, your PWS identification number must precede the individual site number. All sample bottles must be labeled properly. Sample bottles that are not labeled will be disposed of. As such, you will be required to collect additional samples.

Samples must be collected from an indoor tap typically used for consumption. Usually the kitchen or bathroom sinks. Collect the sample from the cold water tap. Do not collect the sample from the hot water tap. Collect the samples from the primary sites using your Lead and Copper Sampling Site Plan.

Use the boxes supplied to you by the Arkansas Department of Health for sample shipment. The boxes are labeled to ensure your samples are routed to the correct analytical laboratory when received by the Public Health Laboratory.

Check with your local County Health Unit to determine how they will ship your samples. If they plan to ship your samples by UPS, Fed Ex or the United States Postal Service, you will find it wise to tape the lids and add packing material to the box. Otherwise your samples may be damaged or destroyed while in transit! If the County Health Unit uses the State Courier Service you will not need to tape the lids or add packing material.

Irregardless of the shipment method it will be necessary to place a shipment label on each box. Please use the labels which accompanied your bottles.

IMPORTANT

The Public Health Laboratory is no longer located in the same building as the ADH Engineering Section. As such, water samples for Lead and Copper analysis will no longer be received at the Engineering Section or the ADH main entrance at 4815 West Markham. If you send or deliver your samples to this location they will be returned to you or disposed of. We recommend that water samples for lead and copper analysis be sent through your Local County Health Unit for all systems that are located outside of Pulaski County.

For water systems within Pulaski County or for systems who wish to deliver their water samples to Little Rock there have been some changes. All water samples for lead and copper analysis must be shipped or delivered to the new Public Health Laboratory at 201 South Monroe. Samples must be taken to the receiving dock at the back of the building. Please take your samples inside and notify one of the workers that you are delivering water samples for lead and copper analysis. Do not take your samples to the front of the building. The receptionist at the front entrance will not accept the samples. As well, access to all other areas of the building is restricted to those individuals who possess the proper security badge.

Attention: Inorganic Laboratory
Water samples for Lead and Copper analysis

If you have any questions concerning sample collection, the sampling forms, sample shipment or if you require a copy of your sampling site plan, please call me at (501) 661-2539, leave a message at 501-661-2623 or e-mail me at Teresa.Lee@arkansas.gov

Helpful Definitions for Community Water Systems

Lead and Copper Rule

LEAD SERVICE LINE: A service line made of lead which connects the water main to the building inlet and/or any lead pigtail, gooseneck, or other fitting which is connected to the service line.

MATERIALS SURVEY: Refers to a system’s initial evaluation of materials that are contained in its pipes and distribution system in order to identify sites with a high risk of lead occurrence.

REPRESENTATIVE SITE: A sampling site that is connected by plumbing materials that are similar to materials used at other sites in the water system.

SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENCES: A building constructed to allow occupancy of a single family. Apartment complexes and duplexes are not considered single family residences.

SOLDER: A metallic compound used to seal joints in plumbing. Until the lead ban took effect (approx. 1986) most solder contained about 50 percent lead.

TIER 1 SITE: A single family residence that contains lead pipes, or copper pipes with lead solder installed after 1982, or is served by a lead service line.

TIER 2 SITE: A building or multi-family residence (duplex or apartment) that contains lead pipes, or copper pipes with lead solder installed after 1982, or is served by a lead service line.

TIER 3 SITE: A single-family residence that contains copper pipes with lead solder installed before 1983.

TIER 4: Refers to those residences or buildings that do not fit into any of the above categories. These are typically homes with copper pipe without lead solder, PVC or galvanized steel plumbing.

****NOTE: If you do not have enough Tier 1, 2, or 3 sites, you must use representative sites to meet minimum sampling requirements. A site is representative if its plumbing is similar to that of other sites in your system.

ALL FORMS MUST BE COMPLETED USING BLUE OR BLACK INK. FORMS THAT ARE DETERMINED TO BE INCOMPLETE WILL BE RETURNED TO THE OPERATOR.

THE RESEARCHED FORM MUST BE SIGNED BY THE INDIVIDUAL PERFORMING THE MATERIALS SURVEY.

Data from Animals & Insects

Year

Tick Related Illness

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

Anaplasmosis

8

8

7

15

16

14

6

8

Babesiosis

0

0

0

0

0

1

0

2

Ehrlichiosis

53

84

165

237

193

204

207

172

Heartland Virus

0

0

0

0

0

0

2

1

Lyme disease Travel-Related

0

0

0

0

1

2

1

0

Lyme disease Locally Acquired

0

0

0

0

0

5

5

4

Spotted Fever Rickettsiosis

558

836

488

827

891

821

1218

1060

Tularemia

38

22

38

43

24

32

32

55

Year Total

657

950

698

1,122

1,125

1,079

1,471

1,297

Year

Mosquito Related Illness

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

Eastern equine Encephalitis (EEE)

0

0

1

0

0

0

0

0

St. Louis Encephalitis (SLE)

3

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

West Nile virus (WNV)

1

64

18

11

18

9

18

8

Chikungunya virus

0

0

0

7

4

1

0

0

Dengue virus

n/a

1

2

4

1

3

0

2

Malaria

6

4

2

7

9

6

5

2

Zika virus

0

0

0

0

0

19

1

0

Year Total

10

69

23

29

32

38

24

12

Year

Other Zoonotic Related Illness

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

Brucellosis

3

1

3

0

1

3

1

2

Q Fever

5

1

3

5

3

5

1

2

*Cases are defined as lab reports submitted to ADH that has either a Confirmed or Probable case Status, in the Arkansas Department of Health's NEDSS Based System (NBS). The Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) is an active participant in the National Electronic Disease Surveillance System (NEDSS). Developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), NEDSS is a system to improve the public health monitoring of diseases.

For Health Care Professionals: Case Definition

The Arkansas Department of Health utilizes the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) case definitions for reporting and surveillance purposes for all tick and mosquito related diseases (including Lyme).

Surveillance case definitions are not intended to be used by healthcare providers for making a clinical diagnosis or determining how to meet an individual patient’s health needs.

Current case definitions for all diseases can be found on the CDC website.

Points for Patients

The Arkansas Department of Health is not responsible for diagnosing and testing for tickborne and most mosquito related diseases. ADH is mainly responsible for reporting laboratory and health care professional confirmed cases for surveillance purposes. It is important to recognize cases of disease when they occur, so ADH examines every disease related lab result of tick and mosquito related illness that is reported. Ticks and mosquitoes can be found throughout Arkansas. To avoid all tickborne and mosquito related illnesses, you can take these measures to prevent insect bites - click here.

Alpha-Gal (Allergy)

Galactose-alpha-1, 3-galactose, or Alpha-Gal for short, is a delayed allergy to mammal meat affecting a growing number of the population. This allergy is initially caused by a tick bite. Since the reaction to eating mammal meat is delayed by several hours, the proper diagnosis is often missed or misdiagnosed. People who are afflicted with the Alpha-Gal allergy have to be constantly vigilant about the ingredients they consume, because an allergic reaction can be severe and life-threatening.

Delayed allergic reactions to red meat have been shown to be caused by several tick species worldwide (e.g. Ixodes ricinus in Europe and Ixodes holocyclus in Australia), with evidence suggesting that the Lone star tick (Amblyomma americanum) is the primary cause of reactions in the U.S. Lone Star ticks carry a sugar called alpha-gal, which is also found in red meat, but not in people. Normally, alpha-gal in meat poses no problems for people. But when a Lone Star tick bites a person, it transfers alpha-gal into the bloodstream. As a result, the person's body produces antibodies to fight the sugar. The next time that person eats meat from a mammal (including beef, pork, lamb, venison, goat and bison) the meat triggers the release of histamine, a compound found in the body that causes allergic symptoms like hives, itching and even anaphylaxis (a reaction that leads to sudden weakness, swelling of the throat, lips and tongue, difficult breathing and/or unconsciousness). Fish, turkey and chicken are not mammals, so they don’t have alpha-gal.

Most allergic reactions to foods occur almost immediately, but red meat allergic reactions can occur up to eight hours after a person eats meat. Often the reaction can be in the middle of the night and the connection to something they ate hours ago isn’t made easily.

The allergy most often occurs in the central and southern United States, which corresponds to the distribution of the Lone Star tick. In the Southern United States, where the tick is most prevalent, allergy rates are 32% higher than elsewhere. However, as doctors are not required to report the number of patients suffering the alpha-gal allergies, the true number of affected individuals is unknown.

Drinking Water Information for Arkansans

Clicking on a letter in the block below will open a new browser window which will contain a list of community public water systems whose names start with that letter. Information for each water system includes:

Contact Name

Public Water System ID number

Mailing Address

Retail Population Served

Phone Number

Source Type(s)

Email Address (when available)

A link to obtain more detailed information about this particular system.

Web Site Address (when available)

Also provided is a list of sources for this system and the status of its source water protection documents.

The Excel files available for downloading contain similar information, and those files can be obtained by clicking on the appropriate button.

Health Professionals Statistics

The Health Professions Manpower Assessment, maintained by the Health Statistics Branch of the Arkansas Department of Health, is the primary source of data on Arkansas’s healthcare workforce. Data is collected on an annual basis from professional licensing boards (PLB). PLB’s collect and provide our branch with information on their members including date of birth, address, and licensing specialties. This data is used to gather information on health profession shortages and medically underserved areas.

Hospital Discharge Data System

The Arkansas Department of Health’s Hospital Discharge Data System is one of the most important tools for addressing a broad range of health policy issues. Act 670 of 1995, A.C.A. 20-7-201 et seq., requires all hospitals licensed in the state of Arkansas to report information as prescribed by the State Board of Health. “All hospitals” include general medical surgical (GMS) hospitals, Critical Access Hospitals (CAH), long-term acute care hospitals (LTAC), psychiatric and rehabilitation hospitals. The Act also specifically prohibits the release of any information from the collected data that identifies, or could be used to identify, any individual patient, provider, institution or health plan.

Since 1996, ADH’s Hospital Discharge Data System has increased its capacity and functionality to include practically all discharges. This includes 2000-2015 inpatient discharges- with a stay of more than one day; as well as 2013-2015 emergency department discharges. 2012 was the preliminary year for emergency department data.

The Hospital Discharge Data Team works diligently to process data of good quality and accuracy. This is achieved by editing and processing data from all hospitals and producing an annual dataset. Hospital personnel and researchers can request inpatient and/or emergency department data, and utilize it towards research and/or policy initiatives. Arkansas de-identified datasets are also shared with the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP) through a Federal-State-Industry partnership sponsored by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ). HCUP includes the largest collection of longitudinal hospital care data in the US.

Arkansas hospital discharge data can be requested through HCUP at https://hcupnet.ahrq.gov/. You can also access this data by clicking the Arkansas Center for Health Statistics Query System link; or by completing the HDDS IP/ED Discharge Data Request for Information forms below. After completing and submitting a request, the HDDS team reviews and responds to each inquiry within an allotted timeframe. Charges may also apply.

Emergency Communication Center - 24/7

The 24/7 Emergency Communication Center serves as a 24 hours a day/7 days a week triage and communication system that routes a wide variety of urgent calls to the appropriate staff personnel. Urgent and emergency calls include but are not limited to illness, oil spills, chemical releases, train derailments, communicable disease outbreaks, single cases of strange or unfamiliar diseases, public water failures, flooding, etc.

ADH physicians, laboratories, epidemiologists, and public health veterinary staff, and other appropriate personnel are available 24 /7 to respond to urgent reports of illness or events of public health concern. The phone number below reaches the ADH Emergency Communication Center, who will gather a summary of the information from you and aid you in getting in contact with the appropriate staff.

1)Arkansas Public Water System Compliance Summary – This is a summary of water system compliance requirements related to complying with the Federal Safe Drinking Water Act, and the Department of Health public water system requirements and policies. The Summary is an exam reference, used during exam preparation and mandatory training courses. The “Drinking Water Compliance Course” uses this reference extensively.

a)Rules and Regulations Pertaining to Public Water Systems – (Appendix A of Compliance Summary) The Regulations ensure that public water systems provide ample quantities of safe, palatable water in compliance with the National Primary Drinking Water Standards. The Regulations are an exam reference used during exam preparation and mandatory training courses. The “Drinking Water Compliance Course” uses this reference extensively.

b)Water Operator Licensing Law and its Rules and Regulations Pertaining to Water Operator Licensing – (Appendix C and D of Compliance Summary) The Licensing Law and its Regulations are provided to offer you complete in-depth information pertaining to your chosen profession.

2)Treatment, Distribution, or Very Small System “Need To Know Criteria” (NTK) –The NTK is provided by the Association of Boards of Certification and is used to narrow down the areas of study. Included is the ABC Formula Sheet and math study aid to focus on needed areas of math preparation.

3)Reference Manual List – Provides information on the reference manuals referred to in the ABC Need To Know Criteria and information on how to obtain the manuals. The reference manuals are a critically needed exam preparation tool and are the primary textbooks used in the mandatory training courses. Many Public Water Systems already have the manuals.

4)Meeting Mandatory Training Requirements – Provides information on the requirements for the specific required mandatory training courses that must be attended or met utilizing the allowed alternate methods to meet the mandatory training requirements. The training must be obtained prior to sitting for the water license exam. Please review your records and the requirements to assure the requirements are met.

5)Mandatory Training Schedule – The training schedule, with contact information for the training providers, is provided to assist you in scheduling your mandatory training courses. Contact information is provided to assist you in registration for the courses or to be placed on the individual trainers’ mailing list.

6)Exam Schedule – The exam schedule is provided to assist you in determining the best time and location to take an exam. Please note, you must register for the exam 45 or more days before the exam session date. See exam registration forms.

The above information, the recommended referenced study manuals, and the mandatory training should provide you with the necessary materials and tools needed to properly prepare for and pass the exam. Of course, your level of commitment to exam preparation is the most important key to success.

The above materials, any other study materials or reference manuals will not be allowed into the test facility. A formula sheet identical to the one you have received will be provided at the exam site. Of course, a non-programmable calculator is allowed.

PREPARATION WILL BRING SUCCESS

Drinking Water Emergency Response

Emergency Response

The Rules & Regulations Pertaining to Public Water Systems requires that: "The owner [of a public water system] shall report to the Arkansas Department of Health within four hours of the discovery and evaluation of any emergency condition located in the water system which affects the ability of the water system to deliver adequate quantities of safe water to its customers. Examples of such emergencies include loss of pressure in the distribution system, failure of the source or treatment facility or parts thereof, voluntary or mandatory water conservation efforts, or the known or suspected introduction of any contaminant into the water system."

If such an event occurs, please notify the Department of Health by calling the Division of Engineering (during normal working hours) at the number listed below. After hours, please notify the Department of Health Emergency Communications Center at the number listed below. The Emergency Communications Center has home, cell, and pager numbers for Division management and home phone numbers for other Division staff.

Emergency Preparation & Response Internet Resources

The following links are provided to assist water system personnel in assessing risk and determining the appropriate response to actual, suspected, or potential terrorist activities.

Reports On Health Problems in Arkansas

The Arkansas Department of Health’s new report on Arkansas’s Big Health Problems and How We Plan to Solve Them is now available. We invite you to read it and use it to get involved in public health. We are happy to take your comments and answer any questions you may have.

This report provides an overview of the health problems in Arkansas. The health problems discussed are life expectancy, infant mortality and health literacy. Other chapters address important issues that affect our health such as living in rural Arkansas, having unequal opportunities and growing factors that may affect how our health problems are solved. Also, the report meets two of the three prerequisites for applying for public health accreditation through the Public Health Accreditation Board.

For more information or inquiries about the ADH report on Arkansas's Big Health Problems and How We Plan to Solve Them, email ADH.Healthreport@arkansas.gov.

Public Health in Arkansas

Keeping Your Hometown Healthy

Preventing disease and disability has been a major concern of the Arkansas Department of Health for a long time. In fact, the roots of public health can be traced back to 1832, when Little Rock's town council created the first city board of health in the Arkansas Territory.

Relatively few Arkansans died when yellow fever ravaged the Mississippi Valley in 1878, yet the epidemic's effects proved to be the catalyst to organize the first official state board of health in 1881 – which died due to lack of funds. When the Legislature moved out of the Old State House to the current capitol building for its first session in 1913, a permanent state board of health was appointed – seven members, all physicians – and moved into the vacated facility on Markham Street. Since that time the Board has regulated and generally provided supervision for all public health activities.

In the beginning, the new board of health focused on eradicating hookworm. A program to improve home and school sanitation was initiated, as well as a program to eliminate malaria through mosquito control. In 1918, Arkansas became the first state to require children to have a compulsory childhood smallpox vaccination in order to attend school. In 1919, the Board began a vigorous educational campaign against venereal disease after thousands of infected Arkansans were unable to join the Army during World War I. By the 1920s, with the assistance of federal and private funds, the Board had instituted inspections of water supplies and mandated sanitary requirements that practically eliminated Typhoid fever. An effective program for improving the health of infants and mothers caused the infant death rate to decline and life expectancy to increase, all before the end of the 1920s.

The Great Depression of the 1930s amplified the health problems of that era. Many people who could no longer afford private medical care turned to public health for assistance. During this time, thousands of immunizations were given to combat typhoid fever, smallpox and diphtheria.

By the late 1930s and into the 1940s, the Department had begun cancer and heart programs, as well as for safe water supplies and malaria control. It also stepped up efforts related to food safety and drug control. During the post-war era, more and more people moved into cities from farms, creating new needs related to city water and sewer services.

Also after World War II, public health centered on incorporating modern technology and conveniences into the existing health care and health protection structure. Many people, however, remained without access to primary health services. The anti-poverty programs of the 1960s directed attention to the needs of the poor. New social programs dictated new directions for public health while making possible the dramatic expansion of public health activities.

Beginning in the first part of the 1960s, Arkansas led the nation in tuberculosis treatment by developing a program that applied new theories about health services planning and implementation as well as the effects of modern medical technology and treatment. Short-term hospital treatment was a startling change from previous methods of treatment. Better diagnosis and new drugs made traditional sanatorium treatment obsolete.

From the mid-1960s the field of public health has experienced profound changes in its goals and structure. Exploration in new roles for public health work go beyond tuberculosis treatment and environmental control to encompass home health, Women, Infants and Children (WIC) programs, maternity and infant care, and youth projects and programs emphasizing prevention and early treatment of medical conditions.

Today's Department of Health

In the 21st Century, our public health services continue to evolve and expand. New or updated programs and services today include:

Preparation for acts of terrorism, for pandemics and natural disasters

Emergency health

Operation of statewide trauma system

Control of AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases

Family planning programs

Rural health development

Prevention infectious diseases

Health improvement for all ages, including women and children

Improved oral health

Tobacco prevention and cessation

Assuring safe medical and emergency facilities

Injury prevention

Pharmacy services and drug control

Food and water safety

In-home nursing services to permit independent living

Surveillance, tracking and measuring trends of diseases

Collecting, analyzing and utilizing health information data

Public health laboratory services

Community-based local public health services and initiatives

Board of Health Today

In 1971, an extensive reorganization of government in Arkansas changed the duties of the Board of Health. Many of the powers that existed within the Board were transferred to the Department of Health, which became a cabinet level agency in the executive branch of government responsible for implementing the Board’s regulations. The Board retained four very important responsibilities:

Advisory capacity to assist in the development of public health policy;

Power to adopt rules and regulations and serve as the administrative tribunal for enforcement of these rules and regulations;

Power to nominate a director of the Department; and

Pursuant to the by-laws of the Board, act as advocates for the Department and all Arkansas residents, particularly those whose health is at greatest risk.

Today’s Board is comprised of 24 members, including eight medical doctors. As we look forward to the challenges of the future in public health, the Board remains a vitally important partner and will remain an essential element in any reform or change in the health delivery system in the state.

*A source for much of the information above was “The Pain in Prevention, A History of Public Health in Arkansas” written by Sarah Hudson Scholle for the Arkansas Department of Health, copyright 1990.

Arkansas Health System

Many people across the state are working to proactively shape the future of our health system including undertaking important activities to improve the health payment system, strategically plan for a future health workforce, implementing statewide use of health information technology and planning for the health benefits exchange. A vision for a better Arkansas Health System has been developed and serves as a guide for this work.

Act 504 of 2017 Arkansas Physician Order for Life-Sustaining Treatment Act (POLST) provides a standardized physician order form. The links below include the standardized physician order form and helpful directions for completing the order form.

BreastCare Providers

News for Current Providers

BreastCare has updated the reimbursement amounts for covered procedures for 2019. The updated reimbursement rate tables can be found under Billing Information on the Forms and Manuals page.

BreastCare Provider Forms and Manuals Updated

BreastCare has updated several forms and manuals including the BreastCare Provider Manual, Billing Manual, the tobacco fax referral form, Welcome to BreastCare patient handout and provider management forms for updating your banking details, contract information and providers. All of these updated forms and manuals can be found on the Forms and Manuals page.

Phishing E-mail Alert

It has been brought to our attention that phishing e-mails are being sent to BreastCare providers posing as our Contracts Manager or BreastCare Provider Management. Since many of you recognize our staff’s name or BreastCare, you may be tempted to open the email and its attachments but don't. These e-mails are not from BreastCare. Instead this is an attempt to gain access to your system to get information from you or infect your computer with a virus. Delete the e-mail and report it to your IT department in case they can track or block it. Please contact BreastCare with any questions or concerns you may have.

BreastCare Patient Eligibility Verification (September 2017)

Eligibility verification for BreastCare patients is no longer available through the Medicaid portal. This service ended August 31, 2017. BreastCare providers can verify eligibility from the plan dates on the patient’s BreastCare card or by contacting BreastCare at 1-855-661-7830.

BreastCare Billing System Launched (September 2017)

Our new web-based BreastCare Billing System was launched in early September. Billing personnel who need access and have not already requested it, should complete and return the form below. Only BreastCare providers with current agreements can access the system. If your provider group(s) does not have a current agreement or have not yet completed the re-enrollment process, you are encouraged to do so soon.

The Arkansas BreastCare program is now covering 3D mammography (tomosynthesis) as a reimbursable procedure as of October 1, 2016. BreastCare is using the following CMS guidance for Medicare reimbursement instructions for billing these codes:

77063 should be listed as a separate code in addition to the code for the primary mammogram code, 77057 or G0202. Do not report this code with 77055 or 77056.

G0279 should be listed as a separate code in addition to G0204 or G0206 for the primary mammogram.

The codes 77061 and 77062 are not allowed as they are not approved by Medicare.

The BreastCare program has revised eligibility guidelines to expand coverage. The revised guidelines include expanding the age range for cervical cancer screening and diagnostic services and providing diagnostic services for underinsured (insured but meet financial criteria) women who qualify. BreastCare now covers Pap testing for uninsured women between 21 and 39 years old as well as any diagnostics and follow up needed as a result of an abnormal screening. Diagnostic services may also be covered for those who are insured but need assistance with co-pays, co-insurance or deductibles. For questions about these new guidelines, please contact your Regional BreastCare Coordinator. (March 2016)

Becoming a BreastCare Provider

Regular screening and early detection are our best bets for helping Arkansas women fight breast and cervical cancer. We always welcome the opportunity to partner with more providers to offer breast and cervical services.

In order to enroll as a BreastCare provider you will need to complete: Provider Basic Identification, Provider Demography, Provider Banking Information, W-9 Form, Provider Specialty Form, and Questionnaire. Have all documents for the application ready and the process will move faster.

For questions or additional information, contact our Provider and Contracts Manager at 501-661-2836.

Advisory Board for Interpreters for the Deaf

Ark. Code Ann. § 20-14-804 creates the Advisory Board for Interpreters between Hearing Individuals and Individuals who are Deaf, Deafblind, Hard of Hearing, or Oral Deaf, which consists of seven (7) members appointed by the Director of the Arkansas Department of Health.

Together we will ensure that individuals who are Deaf, Deafblind, Hard of Hearing, or Oral Deaf and those they communicate with may depend upon competent, reliable interpreting services.

Workshops & Professional Development

School Health Conference

July 11 - 13, 2017: Every other year, the Biennial School Health Conference for the state of Arkansas is held. It has been a huge success and allows health professionals, educators, and anyone interested in inspiring health and wellness in the youth of Arkansas to learn and participate. The conference has many exhibits, sponsors, and vendors every year that provide great information and door prizes for participants.

CSH Resources

The School Health Services Brochure is a great starting resource and gives an overview of all the programs and people involved in servings Arkansas schools. The brochure also shows how we are taking a multifaceted approach to accomplish our vision and mission to enrich Arkansas students and the Arkansas community.

The Council of University of Arkansas Research Libraries K-12 Education Portal - The portal is designed to help visitors to the University of Arkansas's Libraries locate digital projects developed by University of Arkansas campuses, to help teachers and students locate and use K-12 learning resources, and to help CUARL committee members share information regarding the progress and status of their projects.

Success Stories

Springdale Mothers on the Move Program

Dalana Rodgers, a teacher at the Early Childhood Center in Springdale has implemented a successful new program related to family and community involvement and the Joint Use Agreement trail. The Moms on the Move (MOM) program encourages the use of the walking trail that was put in around their building to promote wellness for their families and relationships between mothers. The program kicked off on October 1st and in three weeks mothers have walked a total of 165.5 miles. Students on the playground are encouraging the moms as they walk the track and teachers are talking about the importance of being active with the students. They have seen many moms walking together and developing relationships outside of the home. Due to increases in popularity they have had to scale back the amount of tracking they do to report the outcome for the whole school to see.

Springdale - Girls on the Run

Embarking on year two of implementing a School Based Health Center, known as The Wellness Center at Jones Elementary School in Springdale Arkansas, the Physician's Assistant and Licensed Clinical Social Worker looked for an educational outreach venue that would support both physical and mental health. The students at Jones are overwhelmingly the children of poverty and speak English as a second language; they lack financial, social and transportation resources to participate in organized sports or extracurricular activities. Living a few miles down the road from Bentonville Arkansas, the home of Wal-Mart, the students live in the shadow of wealth. As a complement to the Wellness Center at Jones and in efforts to improve access to physical activity and to address the childhood obesity epidemic, the personnel at Jones applied for and received a Joint Use Agreement (JUA) grant from the Arkansas Department of Education in 2010. With the $10,000 awarded in JUA funds the school district purchased supplies and materials to build a quarter mile trail on school grounds. The City of Springdale agreed to provide the manpower and equipment needed to install the trail. The JUA trail at Jones Elementary is now available for use by students, faculty and staff when school is in session and by the community at other times.

The staff from the Wellness Center in recognition of the resources provided through the Wellness Center combined with the facility provided by the Joint Use Agreement trail decided to use the Girls on the Run program. The program is ideal because it addresses the physical, emotional and social needs of the child. Girls were invited to join the Girls on the Run Team and were provided with generic running shoes through the district's social service fund. They participated in physical training for six weeks as well as bonding exercises, self-esteem building activities, anti-bullying curricula and art projects. The entire process was a great success. Girls expanded their physical activity parameters, explored character traits and positive pro social interaction and experienced enhanced self-esteem through feelings of accomplishment and through recognition provided by classmates, parents and community members.

Hot Springs School District

Hot Springs Middle School has opened up a cardio lab for all employees as part of the Coordinated School Health School-Site Health Promotion effort. It is currently open to all staff of the Hot Springs School District three nights a week.

How do you increase physical activity when there is no time in the school day and it’s not feasible to hire another physical education teacher?

Gardner Elementary found the solution with Classercise DVDs, a fun, physical workshop that can be used in the classroom. The workouts enhance the children’s endurance, flexibility, balance, coordination, and gross motor skills. They also receive healthy lifestyle messages on ways to replenish their bodies with nutritious foods and beverages. With the Classercise DVDs, teachers can schedule an activity break time anywhere in their schedule providing the students a great transition from classroom studies while giving them much needed physical exercise.

Focusing on nutrition and physical activity, Oaklawn Elementary created Individual Wellness Plans (IWP) for their students. Each student was taught how to use the plan and then asked to record at least 30 minutes a day of physical activity, listing the activities and requiring a parent’s signature. At Oaklawn, at least 65% of the students participated in the IWP. As a result, more students became involved in community programs such as the Boys & Girls Clubs and the YMCA. Many parents expressed excitement about the program because it required the child to be accountable and provided for family involvement in making smart and healthy decisions. Overall, an increase in families participating in physical activity was noticed.

Hot Springs Middle School incorporated the Presidential Physical Fitness Test to address their students’ poor nutritional habits and declining physical fitness levels. Prior to the test, class discussions, computer labs, and DVDs were utilized to educate the students on the importance of healthy eating and exercise. Then all 6th-8th grade students were given the test. This test is comprised of 5 specific tests (curl-ups, shuttle run, endurance run/walk, pull-ups and V-sit and reach). These tests measure specific fitness components: agility, flexibility, endurance, and strength. One student earned the Presidential Physical Fitness Award and 12 others earned the National Physical Fitness Award.

The high school physical education teacher and consumer science teacher taught a unit on the importance of nutrition and exercise for a healthy body. After participating in the unit, one Junior lost 87.4 pounds and showed a 36% decrease in her body mass. She said her motivation was the physical education and nutrition classes and the support she received from the teachers. Now that she has reached her goal, she plans to maintain her weight and begin toning.

Funding Opportunities

School Food Support Initiative

Applications due 11/30, informational webinar 11/2 at 4pm ET.

The program is currently in its second round of grant funding (from now until November 30) and its goal is to provide up to seven school districts with technical assistance, strategic planning and funding opportunities to improve operations. You can find more details about program services and eligibility criteria, as well as a link to the online application on the School Food Support Initiative Webpage. For more information, there will be an informational webinar on Wednesday November 2 at 4 p.m. EST to learn about how the program works and the impact it’s currently having in school districts.

USDA Farm to School Grant Program RFA Now Available

Grant applications due December 8.

USDA released the Fiscal year 2017 Farm to School Grant Program Request for Applications for up to $5 million in grant funds to further USDA efforts to increase locally sourced foods in America’s school meals. Annually, USDA awards up to $5 million in competitive grants for training, supporting operations, planning, purchasing equipment, developing school gardens, developing partnerships, and implementing farm to school programs.

Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program

The Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP) provides all children in participating schools with a variety of free fresh fruits and vegetables throughout the school day. It is an effective and creative way of introducing fresh fruits and vegetables as healthy snack options. The FFVP also encourages schools to develop partnerships at the State and local level for support in implementing and operating the program.

Joint Use Agreement Grant

The Arkansas Joint Use Agreement (JUA) Grant is a competitive application process made possible and supported by Arkansas’ governor and the Arkansas Tobacco Excise Tax. These funds help schools adopt and implement joint use policy which allows schools to form community partnerships to maximize resources while increasing opportunities for physical activity. Funds are available each fiscal year based on Tobacco Excise Tax appropriations or until funds are expended.

Coordinated School Health Data

It is crucial to school health improvement to self-evaluate your progress. This allows each school to analyze their school quantitatively through gathered data and qualitatively through student and staff feedback. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) School Health Assessment site lists three helpful ways to track your progress and data along with providing information about each program and frequently asked questions.

Along with this, schools should submit data to the Arkansas School Health Services Office and especially stay current with their Arkansas Consolidated School Improvement Plan (ACSIP) which helps to provide and report beneficial information. This allows the School Health Services Office to analyze the statewide data on the health of the students in the schools and the programs being utilized to teach and improve student health.

Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS)

The Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) will help Arkansas identify public school students' current health and safety habits so that improvements can be made where needed. Healthy lifestyles for Arkansas students mean longer, more productive lives for the states' young people, as well as improved learning in the classroom. These behaviors, often established during childhood and early adolescence, include:

School Health Profiles

The school health profiles assist state and local education and health agencies in monitoring and assessing characteristics of and trends in school health education; physical education; asthma management activities; school health policies related to HIV/AIDS prevention, tobacco-use prevention, violence prevention, physical activity, and nutrition; food service; and family and community involvement in school health programs. Data from Profiles can be used to improve school heath programs. Two questionnaires are used to collect data--one for school principals and one for lead health education teachers. Results from the principal and lead health education surveys represent participating selected schools, grades 6 through 12. The results are weighted and are representative of all regular secondary schools in Arkansas having at least one of grades 6 through 12. The Profiles questionnaires were developed by the Division of Adolescent and School Health (DASH), National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (NCCDPHP), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in collaboration with representatives of state, local, and territorial departments of health and education.

CSH Plan Schools

The schools that follow the Coordinated School Health Plan have been actively involved in developing an infrastructure at their schools, along with a work plan containing goals, objectives and outcomes. In addition, the coordinator at each school has attended a Coordinators' Meeting held quarterly in Little Rock with Coordinated School Health staff from the Arkansas Department of Education. The school districts are listed along with the administrator's name, coordinator's name, and contact information. These schools welcome inquiries as to their successes and challenges.

The Map shows all of the schools in the state that are a part of the School Health Services Office (when printing, you may need to select "Document and Markups" for the numbers to print on the document).

A list of the Schools shows which ones in the state follow the Coordinated School Health Plan utilized by the School Health Services.

Components of WSCC

Components of Whole School, Whole Community, and Whole Child (WSCC)

Health Education

Formal, structured health education consists of any combination of planned learning experiences that provide the opportunity to acquire information and the skills students need to make quality health decisions. When provided by qualified, trained teachers, health education helps students acquire the knowledge, attitudes, and skills they need for making health-promoting decisions, achieving health literacy, adopting health-enhancing behaviors, and promoting the health of others. Comprehensive school health education includes curricula and instruction for students in pre-K through grade 12 that address a variety of topics such as alcohol and other drug use and abuse, healthy eating/nutrition, mental and emotional health, personal health and wellness, physical activity, safety and injury prevention, sexual health, tobacco use, and violence prevention. Health education curricula and instruction should address the National Health Education Standards (NHES) and incorporate the characteristics of an effective health education curriculum.

Health education, based on an assessment of student health needs and planned in collaboration with the community, ensures reinforcement of health messages that are relevant for students and meet community needs. Students might also acquire health information through education that occurs as part of a patient visit with a school nurse, through posters or public service announcements, or through conversations with family and peers.

The school nutrition environment provides students with opportunities to learn about and practice healthy eating through available foods and beverages, nutrition education, and messages about food in the cafeteria and throughout the school campus. Students may have access to foods and beverages in a variety of venues at school including the cafeteria, vending machines, grab ‘n’ go kiosks, schools stores, concession stands, classroom rewards, classroom parties, school celebrations, and fundraisers.

School nutrition services provide meals that meet federal nutrition standards for the National School Lunch and Breakfast Programs, accommodate the health and nutrition needs of all students, and help ensure that foods and beverages sold outside of the school meal programs (i.e., competitive foods) meet Smart Snacks in School nutrition standards. School nutrition professionals should meet minimum education requirements and receive annual professional development and training to ensure that they have the knowledge and skills to provide these services. All individuals in the school community support a healthy school nutrition environment by marketing and promoting healthier foods and beverages, encouraging participation in the school meal programs, role-modeling healthy eating behaviors, and ensuring that students have access to free drinking water throughout the school day.

Healthy eating has been linked in studies to improved learning outcomes and helps ensure that students are able to reach their potential.

For more information on nutrition in the schools, visit the Arkansas Department of Education Child Nutrition Unit website

Employee Wellness

Schools are not only places of learning, but they are also worksites. Fostering school employees’ physical and mental health protects school staff, and by doing so, helps to support students’ health and academic success. Healthy school employees—including teachers, administrators, bus drivers, cafeteria and custodial staff, and contractors—are more productive and less likely to be absent. They serve as powerful role models for students and may increase their attention to students’ health. Schools can create work environments that support healthy eating, adopt active lifestyles, be tobacco free, manage stress, and avoid injury and exposure to hazards (e.g., mold, asbestos). A comprehensive school employee wellness approach is a coordinated set of programs, policies, benefits, and environmental supports designed to address multiple risk factors (e.g., lack of physical activity, tobacco use) and health conditions (e.g., diabetes, depression) to meet the health and safety needs of all employees. Partnerships between school districts and their health insurance providers can help offer resources, including personalized health assessments and flu vaccinations. Employee wellness programs and healthy work environments can improve a district’s bottom line by decreasing employee health insurance premiums, reducing employee turnover, and cutting costs of substitutes.

Social and Emotional School Climate refers to the psychosocial aspects of students’ educational experience that influence their social and emotional development. The social and emotional climate of a school can impact student engagement in school activities; relationships with other students, staff, family, and community; and academic performance. A positive social and emotional school climate is conducive to effective teaching and learning. Such climates promote health, growth, and development by providing a safe and supportive learning environment.

Physical Environment

A healthy and safe school environment includes the physical and aesthetic surroundings and the psychosocial climate and culture of the school. Factors that influence the physical environment include the school building and the area surrounding it, any biological or chemical agents that are detrimental to health, and physical conditions such as temperature, noise, and lighting. The psychosocial environment includes the physical, emotional, and social conditions that affect the well-being of students and staff.

Health Services

School health services intervene with actual and potential health problems, including providing first aid, emergency care and assessment and planning for the management of chronic conditions (such as asthma or diabetes). In addition, wellness promotion, preventive services and staff, student and parent education complement the provision of care coordination services. These services are also designed to ensure access and/or referrals to the medical home or private healthcare provider. Health services connect school staff, students, families, community and healthcare providers to promote the health care of students and a healthy and safe school environment. School health services actively collaborate with school and community support services to increase the ability of students and families to adapt to health and social stressors, such as chronic health conditions or social and economic barriers to health, and to be able to manage these stressors and advocate for their own health and learning needs. Qualified professionals such as school nurses, nurse practitioners, dentists, health educators, physicians, physician assistants and allied health personnel provide these services.

By promoting health in all facets, the state of Arkansas hopes to diminish chronic diseases, eliminate drug and alcohol abuse, address mental health issues, inspire a positive self-image, and teach students good healthcare habits as they grow from adolescence to young adulthood. The Arkansas Department of Health, along with its other partners, wish to enable students and the community to become informed about their health and teach them to be proactive in disease prevention.

These services are designed to ensure access or referral to primary health care services or both, foster appropriate use of primary health care services, prevent and control communicable disease and other health problems, provide emergency care for illness or injury, promote and provide optimum sanitary conditions for a safe school facility and school environment, and provide educational and counseling opportunities for promoting and maintaining individual, family, and community health. Qualified professionals such as physicians, nurses, dentists, health educators, and other allied health personnel provide these services. In many schools the School-Based Health Centers have been instrumental in helping students, the school faculty, the students family, and the community with mental and physical health needs.

Counseling, Psychological, and Social Services

These prevention and intervention services support the mental, behavioral, and social-emotional health of students and promote success in the learning process. Services include psychological, psychoeducational, and psychosocial assessments; direct and indirect interventions to address psychological, academic, and social barriers to learning, such as individual or group counseling and consultation; and referrals to school and community support services as needed. Additionally, systems-level assessment, prevention, intervention, and program design by school-employed mental health professionals contribute to the mental and behavioral health of students as well as to the health of the school environment. These can be done through resource identification and needs assessments, school-community-family collaboration, and ongoing participation in school safety and crisis response efforts. Additionally, school-employed professionals can provide skilled consultation with other school staff and community resources and community providers. School-employed mental health professionals ensure that services provided in school reinforce learning and help to align interventions provided by community providers with the school environment. Professionals such as certified school counselors, school psychologists, and school social workers provide these services.

The Arkansas School Counselor Association (ArSCA) initiates and supports the improvement of school counseling programs through information, research, legislation, professional development and ethical standards, while upholding and encouraging continued improvements in standards for education.

Community groups, organizations, and local businesses create partnerships with schools, share resources, and volunteer to support student learning, development, and health-related activities. The school, its students, and their families benefit when leaders and staff at the district or school solicits and coordinates information, resources, and services available from community-based organizations, businesses, cultural and civic organizations, social service agencies, faith-based organizations, health clinics, colleges and universities, and other community groups. Schools, students, and their families can contribute to the community through service-learning opportunities and by sharing school facilities with community members (e.g., school-based community health centers and fitness facilities).

Family Engagement

Families and school staff work together to support and improve the learning, development, and health of students. Family engagement with schools is a shared responsibility of both school staff and families. School staff are committed to making families feel welcomed, engaging families in a variety of meaningful ways, and sustaining family engagement. Families are committed to actively supporting their child’s learning and development. This relationship between school staff and families cuts across and reinforces student health and learning in multiple settings—at home, in school, in out-of-school programs, and in the community. Family engagement should be continuous across a child’s life and requires an ongoing commitment as children mature into young adulthood.

Physical education is a school-based instructional opportunity for students to gain the necessary skills and knowledge for lifelong healthy habits. Physical education is characterized by a planned, sequential K-12 curriculum that provides cognitive content and learning experiences in a variety of activity areas. Quality physical education programs assist students in achieving the national standards for K-12 physical education.

The outcome of a quality physical education program is a physically educated person who has the knowledge, skills, and confidence to enjoy a lifetime of healthful physical activity. Arkansas requires that all physical education teachers be qualified and trained professionals so as to properly teach healthy exercise habits to the students. A good resource for physical education is the Arkansas Department of Education, which provides curriculums and links for parents, students, and teachers alike to many helpful sites and programs.

Rubeolla (Measles)

Flu (Influenza)

Coordinated School Health

Whole School, Whole Community, and Whole Child

Over the past few years, Arkansas has emerged as a leader in implementing Coordinated School Health programs. Across the state Coordinated School Health is growing and districts are building school level health teams. With the help of ACT 1220 of 2003, district wellness committees are required to assess at the building and district level utilizing the Center for Disease Control and Prevention's School Health Index. The School Health Index results are used to implement the Wellness Priority within their Arkansas Comprehensive School Improvement Plan (ACSIP).

Establishing healthy behaviors during childhood is easier and more effective than trying to change unhealthy behaviors during adulthood. Schools play a critical role in promoting the health and safety of young people and helping them establish lifelong healthy behavior patterns. Research shows a link between the health outcomes of young people and their academic success. To have the most positive impact on the health outcomes of young people, government agencies, community organizations, schools, and other community members must work together through a collaborative and comprehensive approach.

The Whole School, Whole Community, Whole Child (WSCC) model expands on the eight elements of CDC’s coordinated school health approach and is combined with the whole child framework, which is an effort to transition from a focus on narrowly defined academic achievement to one that promotes the long-term development and success of all children.

You can review data regarding the Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) and School Health Profiles for Arkansas students by clicking here.

School Nurse Survey

Act 935 of 2015 requires all districts to complete and submit the School Nurse Survey. This survey is in two parts. This data will also provide you the information that Act 935 requires you to report to your school board.

Special Health Care Needs Module for Special Education

This module is part of the Core Curriculum for Special Education Paraprofessionals. At least one Registered Nurse (RN) from each school district should receive Facilitator Training from the Community Health Nurse Specialist in the Educational Cooperative serving your school district. Once the RN has completed this training, then they are able to provide the Special Health Care Needs training for their district's special education paraprofessionals.

The Paraprofessional Training PowerPoint is to be presented in its entirety. Then the RN will be able to provide student-specific training of the procedures specific to the school's student population.

Child Health Advisory Committee

ACT 1220 of 2003 created the Child Health Advisory Committee to address childhood obesity and develop statewide nutrition and physical activity standards. The Committee meets monthly and will make policy recommendations to the State Board of Education and the State Board of Health.

The Arkansas Department of Health and the Arkansas Department of Education in partnership with the Arkansas Center for Health Improvement (ACHI) are developing a statewide plan to assist schools in the implementation and reporting of the Body Mass Index to parents.

Committee Information

Meeting Dates & Times

Guide for Schools, Parents, and Communities

This guide provides information and guidance in developing a local school Nutrition and Physical Activity Advisory Committee. Included is a membership grid, sample invitation letter and sample agenda. Names and contact information of local resources who can assist in developing the local committees are included. State and National resource links are also listed in the guide. These resources provide information on obesity, nutrition, physical activity, and children's health.

School-Based Health Centers

Vision: Arkansas students will have quality, integrated school health services that improve health, optimize academic achievement and enhance well-being, allowing all students to reach their full potential.

School-Based Health Centers (SBHC) provide basic physical, mental, dental or other services as needed. The health center provides services beyond the scope of the school nurse practice and is not intended to replace the school nurse. The school-based health center is required to maintain a working relationship with the physician of a child's medical home, to ensure that individual patient health plans are executed effectively and efficiently. Students can apply for ARKids and local resources connected to the health center for students and family convenience. The intent is for the center to act as a resource center for wellness and prevention. Typical characteristics of a SBHC are as follows:

Located in the school or on school grounds.

Work cooperatively within the school to become an integral part of the school.

Provide a comprehensive range of services that meet the specific physical and behavioral health needs of the young people in the community.

Employ a multidisciplinary team of providers to care for the students: nurse practitioners, registered nurses, physician assistants, social workers, physicians, alcohol and drug counselors, and other health professionals.

Provide clinical services through a qualified health provider such as a hospital, health department, or medical practice.

Require parents to sign written consents for their children to receive the full scope of services provided at the SBHC.

Have an advisory board consisting of community representatives, parents, youth, and family organizations, to provide planning and oversight.

(courtesy of National Assembly on School-Based Health Care)

Arkansas' School-Based Health Center Grant Funding

The Arkansas School-Based Health Center Grant is a competitive application process made possible and supported by Arkansas' Governor Mike Beebe and the Arkansas Tobacco Excise Tax created by Arkansas Act 180 of 2009. The funds are to be used to promote health, wellness, and academic achievement in Arkansas' public schools. The program is a collaboration of the Arkansas Department of Education (ADE) and the Arkansas Department of Health (ADH).

Applicants intending to create a new health center on school campuses may apply for up to $150,000. The SBHC grant recipients will receive an annual distribution of funds for a five year period, with decreasing amounts each year. Annual renewal is based on a review of annual progress and appropriation of Tobacco Excise Tax funding.

WIC Eligibility

Pregnancy

Prescription Drug Monitoring Program

Per Act 820 of the 2017 Arkansas legislature, ADH is required to post prescribing criteria to the website. Additionally, various licensing boards were required to promulgate rules limiting the amount of Schedule II narcotics that may be prescribed and dispensed by licensees of each applicable board. The boards required to promulgate such rules include: Arkansas State Medical Board, Arkansas State Board of Dental Examiners, Arkansas State Board of Nursing, Arkansas State Board of Optometry, Arkansas State Board of Pharmacy, and the Veterinary Medical Examining Board. The Director of the Department of Health, upon consultation of the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program Advisory Committee, decided to post each boards’ promulgated rules as applicable prescribing criteria for the state. They are linked as follows:

Milk Program

Milk Program

The Milk Program of the Arkansas Department of Health conducts monthly inspections of dairy farms, milk plants, single service plants and ice cream plants. There are various permits issued annually as well as sampling and lab analysis (bacteriological) for milk, and aflatoxin content. This program also provides technical training for field staff and the industry.

Milk and Water Testing

Milk Laboratory

The Arkansas Department of Health is authorized by state law to certify/approve industry milk laboratories and analysts for drug residue testing. The industry laboratories must follow state and FDA guidelines for drug residue testing.

For details about the milk industry laboratory certification/approval process contact the state Laboratory Evaluation Officer at 501 661-2049 or adh.lab@arkansas.gov.

Water Testing

Most of the testing done in the Water Microbiology Laboratory is for regulated public water supplies. The laboratory is certified by the EPA which is required by the Safe Drinking Water Act. The Water Microbiology Laboratory must use the standards specified in the Act. The Safe Drinking Water Act also outlines the standards for the bacterial quality of public drinking water. The Water Microbiology Laboratory at ADH tests for total coliform bacteria and E. coli, which are the indicator organisms for bacterial contamination specified in the Safe Drinking Water Act. In addition, the ADH offers laboratory certification in microbiology for public water utility laboratories that meet state and Environmental Protection Agency criteria for laboratory certification. For more information contact the Water Microbiology Laboratory at ADH at 501-661-2218 or e-mail adh.lab@arkansas.gov.

An additional function of the water Microbiology Laboratory is to provide water testing for private individuals. Since private water sources are not regulated the same as public water systems, we hope that the information provided will be of help to citizen who rely on private sources for their drinking water.

Private/Well Water Testing

The laboratory also tests private drinking water samples. However, since private water sources are not regulated, there are no standards for the bacterial quality of these samples. Private citizens can only submit samples from their wells, springs, cisterns, etc. to be tested for total coliforms and E. coli, which are indicators of bacterial contamination in drinking water. Samples will not be tested for minerals, parasites, or chemicals. For these tests consult a private laboratory. If you have a public health concern (such as an illness), consult your county environmental specialist or the ADH division of engineering for assistance.

Water samples must be collected in an official ADH sample container. The sample bottle will have a white tablet or powder inside the sample bottle. This tablet is a chemical called sodium thiosulfate, which is necessary for the testing process. The tablet should not be removed from the sample bottle. In addition, the bottle should not be rinsed or wiped out. Once the sample is collected it must be received in time to analyze it within 30 hours of collection. The Specimen Receiving Laboratory accepts samples M-F 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. at the back door of the laboratory. This is the entrance off Palm Street labeled the “Sample Receiving Dock.” The tests done at the Public Health Laboratory help determine the safety of drinking water for human consumption. The lab does not evaluate water ponds or other bodies of water to determine if the water is safe for fish or livestock to drink or for any other purpose.

The most common reason that individuals get their private drinking water sources tested is mortgage companies often require “safe” drinking water results before closing on a home mortgage. Most mortgage companies require that testing be done in an EPA-certified laboratory. We have no EPA-certified private laboratories in Arkansas, so the testing must be done at the Water Microbiology Laboratory in Little Rock or at one of the certified municipal laboratories that provides the service. Instructions for submitting a water sample may be found here. ( Link to submitting a water sample document) If a completed form does not accompany the sample, another sample with a completed sample collection report will have to be submitted. The original sample must be rejected. Without a completed sample collection report, we do not have the information needed to analyze the sample. A credit will be issued in the form of a credit letter and a new sample bottle to use to collect a new sample.

Testing of samples requires a 24 hours incubation period. Consult your public water utility or the ADH Division of Engineering if you get a report of “unsafe” on your sample.

CLIPS

Public Health Lab FAQs

If I have a concern about the clinical laboratory operations and would like to lodge a complaint who do I contact? (Examples of laboratory operations include: quality of testing, unlabeled specimens, unethical practices; e.g., record falsification, proficiency testing cheating, confidentiality of patient information.)

Call Customer Service for the Public Health Laboratory at 501-661-2363.

If I feel that my complaint was not resolved what else can I do?

You may file a complaint with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). To get information on how to file a complaint, a brochure is available on the CMS web site that gives this information. The brochure can be found here:

Rabies Laboratory Services

Rabies Laboratory

Rabies is an infectious viral disease that affects the nervous system of humans and other mammals. People should submit an animal specimen if bitten by an animal suspected of having a rabies infection such as a raccoon, skunk, fox, coyote, bat, dog, cat or any mammal. It is rare for rodents such as mice and rabbits to be infected with the rabies virus. It is also possible that people may get rabies if infectious material from a rabid animal, such as saliva, gets directly into an open wound and in rare cases through the eyes, nose or mouth.

The Arkansas Department of Health - Public Health Laboratory has assembled shipping containers for packaging and transporting the specimen to the rabies laboratory. These containers are available at every local Health Unit.

The laboratory only accepts the heads, or brains, of any animal except small mammals, such as bats, mice or squirrels which may be submitted whole. It is preferable to have a veterinarian or animal control officer remove the head prior to submitting the specimen. If a citizen decides to remove the head they must use appropriate protective clothing including waterproof gloves (preferably disposable), a mask (disposable or launderable), safety glasses or goggles and coveralls and/or a waterproof apron. For larger animals, such as livestock, it is necessary to submit only the brain since transportation is too difficult with animals of this size. When submitting the brain instead of the entire head, care should be taken to ensure the brain stem is included and intact.

Remove the head of the animal without damaging the brain. Place the specimen in the large Ziploc bag provided in the shipping container and seal it shut. This bag should then be placed inside the second Ziploc bag and sealed. Chill the specimen in a refrigerator or on cold packs prior to packaging. Cold packs are provided with the shipping container, but must be frozen prior to use. It is extremely important to keep the specimen cool prior to and during shipment to retard decomposition of the specimen. Freezing the specimen is also acceptable but will delay results due to the thawing process.

For proper shipment of the specimen, place the Ziploc bag containing the animal head/brain and at least two (2) cold packs inside the Styrofoam container that is inserted in the white plastic bucket. Replace the Styrofoam lid onto the container with the specimen and cold packs inside. More than two cold packs may be necessary for larger specimens. Fill out the Rabies Examination Form (HL-12) and place the form on top of the lid of the Styrofoam container. Do not place the form inside the Styrofoam containerwith the specimen. Place the plastic lid on the plastic bucket and snap it shut. This may require a hammer to ensure a complete seal. Put the plastic bucket inside the cardboard box provided and tape it shut. Also, tape an envelope with the lab address on the outside of the box. Deliver the specimen as soon as possible to your nearest local health unit for delivery to the laboratory. Alternatively, the specimen may be shipped by UPS on Monday through Thursday only or brought directly to the laboratory any day of the week at the address below.

Face-bites to a human being from a suspected infected animal are considered emergency situations and the laboratory will test the suspected animal. A family physician should be notified immediately as well as the ADH Public Health Veterinarian at 501-280-4136 for emergency situations. If bitten on the face, seek help as quickly as possible.

The Specimen Receiving Laboratory accepts samples M-F 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. at the back door of the laboratory. This is the entrance off Palm Street labeled the “Sample Receiving Dock.”

If the specimen is received before 10:00 am on a given day, results should be ready by the end of the working day at 4:30 pm. If received after 10:00 am, the specimen is tested the next working day unless the situation is an emergency. If for some reason the test fails, the specimens will be retested the following day unless of an emergency.

The laboratory does not charge for the rabies virus test. It is offered as a public health service to the community. Veterinarians may charge for removal of the head and for transportation costs for submission to the rabies laboratory. Arkansas Livestock and Poultry Commision also charges to remove brain tissue from large animals and for disposal of the carcass and transportation of the specimen to the laboratory. The laboratory is not responsible for any charges.

Results are called directly to the submitting facility by the laboratory’s administrative area or by the analyst conducting the test. If a result is positive, an epidemiologist or physician is notified as well as anyone with an exposure to the animal, so that proper treatment can be administered to the exposed.

Samples that are decomposed, damaged or formalinized are unsuitable for testing. Do not shoot or damage the animal head in any form. A correctly submitted specimen must also possess the three following parts of the brain tissue of the animal: brain stem, hippocampus and cerebellum.

For questions concerning treatment, care or other related topics concerning rabies, the State Public Health Veterinarian at 501-280-4136 should be contacted at the ADH. The laboratory will answer questions only related to issues concerning laboratory testing and results.

Massage Therapy Technical Advisory Committee

2018 - 2021

Membership by statute requires representation as follows: Six (6) Licensed Massage Therapist(only one (1) shall be an owner of a school), and one (1) public representative.

Only two members appointed from one congressional district.

In addition to statutory requirements consideration was given to interest, experience, minority status, area of expertise and geographic area within the congressional district.

Interest

The Section received communication from twenty-eight individuals interested in serving on the Advisory Committee.

District representation for interested individuals was as follows: District 1 – (6), District 2 – (5), District 3 – (11), District 4 – (5) - One did not reside in Arkansas and one from District 2 withdrew the application June 12, 2018.

Massage Schools & Examinations

Examination

The Candidate Information Bulletin details the licensure application process which becomes effective Jan 1 2016. Please print and distribute to your students. This information is also available on the Arkansas Dept. Health Website. State Law examinations are now given every Tuesday at 1 p.m., at the Department, 4815 West Markham, Little Rock, AR. ( Room number will be supplied on the admissions notice.)

HVAC/R Board

HVAC/R

HVAC/R (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, & Refrigeration)

The Department of Health provides consultation to local public health officials, architects, engineers, and other construction related offices regarding heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration. We supervise the inspection program for newly constructed public and private facilities throughout the state for compliance of the State Mechanical and Fuel Gas Codes. The department provides testing for the HVAC/R contractors and the issuance of various types of HVACR licenses, and publishes codes, rules and regulation of licensing.

The Arkansas Department of Health’s State HVAC/R Board has no reciprocal licensing agreements with any other state licensing Boards for HVAC/R licensing at this time.

Arkansas Department of Health’s HVAC/R contractor examinations are proctored by Prov, a nationally recognized licensing and examination services provider. If you would like to know more about Prov you may visit their website at provexam.com.

To sit for an Arkansas Department of Health HVAC/R contractor exam, you must be pre-approved by the Board. To apply for an exam please read the HVAC/R Contractor License Rules and Regulations and mail an original notarized HVAC/R Contractor Application to our office.

The Arkansas Energy Code is adopted and required by the Arkansas Energy Office. This code sets minimum energy efficient buildings. For more information call 1-800-558-2633 or visit the Arkansas Energy website.

Plumbing & Natural Gas

The Department of Health provides consultation to local public health officials, architects, engineers, and other construction related professions regarding sanitary plumbing and natural gas systems. We supervise the inspection program for newly constructed public and private facilities throughout the state for compliance with Plumbing and Fuel Gas Codes, and provide testing and certification of various plumbing related licenses, such as Master/Journeyman, city inspectors and gas fitters. The department is responsible for publishing codes, rules and regulations for licensing, and conducts plumber and gas related training programs.

Applications for plumber's license are color coded and not available online. Please call 501-661-2642 for a plumbing licensing application. However, Plumbing Plan Review forms and guidelines, as well as applications for Assembly Repair and Assembly Testers can be located below.

The Arkansas Department of Health’s State Committee of Plumbing Examiners has no reciprocal licensing agreements with other state licensing Boards for Plumbing or Natural Gas at this time.

Tattoo and Body Art Resources

*Special Consideration for Active Duty service members, returning veterans, and spouses is available for licensure, certification, or permitting per Ark. Code 17-1-106. Please contact us by calling 501-661-2171 or email us by clicking here.

Tattoo and Body Art Associations

Information for Physicians

Guidance for the Medical Marijuana Physician Certification Form

In November 2016 Arkansas voters approved medical marijuana through the passage of a constitutional amendment, known as Amendment 98, the Arkansas Medical Marijuana Act of 2016. The law allows qualifying patients to purchase and use medical marijuana from a licensed dispensary if certain criteria are met. One of the requirements is a physician certification of qualifying conditions.

Q. Am I required to complete a physician certification for a patient?

No. Physicians are not required to complete and sign the certification for a patient.

Q. Am I mandated to sign this form?

Yes. If a physician is willing to complete a physician certification form for a patient to use medical marijuana obtained from a licensed dispensary, a physician must sign the form.

Q. What am I actually certifying on this form?

You are certifying that you have completed an in-person patient assessment.

That the patient DOES have one of the qualifying conditions.

That you are licensed to practice in Arkansas.

That you have a current DEA number.

Q. Is there an approved form?

Yes. There is an approved form from the Arkansas Department of Health ( ADH)

This form cannot be substituted with a letter or other type of certification

This form is available to print from the ADH website. You can make blank copies of the form.

Q. Do I need any special training or certification to sign the form?

Any medical doctor or doctor of osteopathy licensed to practice in Arkansas with a current DEA number is authorized to sign the form.

There is no specific medical marijuana training required by law in order to complete the form.

Q. Completing the form:

All portions of the form must be filled out completely.

Do not leave the form blank anywhere in the content areas.

Complete the patient demographic portion at the top of the form. Patient must be an Arkansas resident.

Identify if the patient is disabled or under the age of 18.

This is necessary for determining their need for a certified caregiver who will be authorized by law to purchase and transport medical marijuana for the patient.

Check the correct time frame box for the patient. It may be up to 12 months, or less depending on your determination for the patient.

Fully fill out all physician information. Do not leave any portion blank.

The patient or patient’s guardian must also sign the form.

Q. What are the qualifying conditions?

The form has a complete list of the qualifying conditions.

No other conditions are approved at this time.(New conditions are added by rule change of the Arkansas Board of Health)

Mark the applicable condition(s) for the patient.

ADH will not accept applications that have additional write-in conditions.

Q. Will these forms be verified?

Yes, the agency may contact the physician to verify the signature.

Physician’s license & DEA number will be verified.

Q. Do I keep a medical record of the visit?

Yes. You should keep a record of the visit.

The physician certification form may be copied and placed in the patient’s medical record as part of your documentation.

All aspects of this process are covered by HIPAA.

Q. Am I allowed to complete a certification for a minor?

Yes. You may complete a certification for a minor who has a qualifying condition.

The parent/guardian must be present and they must sign the form.

Remember to certify that the patient is under 18 on the form.

Q. What is a designated caregiver?

A designated caregiver is a person who may purchase and transport medical marijuana from an Arkansas dispensary, for a qualified patient who is either a minor or is physically disabled.

Minors are required to have a parent/ guardian as a designated caregiver. Physically disabled patients may have one if they so choose.

Designations of age or physical disability must be marked on the certification form.

Physicians do not have to see a caregiver unless the patient is a minor, and then they must review the form with the minor patient’s parent/guardian.

Q. How does ADH get this certification?

The applicant will send the certification to ADH as part of their application. They may do this via mail, or through ADH’s online application system.

Q. When does this physician certification expire?

The physician certification is valid for 30 days.

If a patient gets a certification and fails to submit it to ADH within 30 days, they must get a new certification.

A patient’s registration identification card is valid for one year from issuance.

If you as the physician wish for the patient’s registration identification card to be valid for less than one year, please note that on the form in the area marked “issue registry card for”.

Q. What happens after I see the patient?

The patient must submit their completed application online or via mail.

The application is reviewed and it is either approved or denied.

If all requirements are met, a registry card will be issued.

The card will expire based on the date recommended on the physician certification.

NOTE: Applications are being accepted; however registry ID cards will not be available for printing until one month prior to medical marijuana availability in Arkansas dispensaries.

If you have further questions, you may call Toll Free 1-833-214-8619 or 501-682-4982, or email your questions here.

Petition To Add A New Condition

Please complete each section of this Petition and attach all supportive documents. All attachments must include a title referencing the Section letter to which it responds. Any Petition that is not fully or properly completed will not be submitted for formal review.

Each petition is limited to a single medical condition or disease.

Each petition must include:

The specific name and brief description of the proposed debilitating medical condition or disease, including any applicable ICD-10 diagnostic codes.

The extent to which the debilitating medical condition or disease itself, and/or the treatments, cause severe suffering and impair a person’s daily life.

A description of the conventional medical therapies, other than those that cause suffering available to alleviate the suffering caused by the proposed debilitating medical condition or disease.

A description of the proposed benefits from the medical use of marijuana specific to the proposed debilitating medical condition or disease.

Evidence generally accepted by the medical community and other experts that the use of medical marijuana alleviates suffering caused by the debilitating medical disease and/or treatment.

Letters of support for the use of medical marijuana from physicians and/or other licensed health care professionals knowledgeable about the condition or disease, including, if applicable, a letter from the physician with whom the petitioner has a bona-fide physician-patient relationship along with any medical, testimonial, or scientific documentation.

Upon review of the petition, the program will determine whether:

The petition does not meet the standard for submission and if so, the petition will be denied. The Department will notify the petitioner who may correct any deficiencies and resubmit the petition; or

The petition meets the standards for submission and if so, the program will accept the petition for further review.

If the petition meets all requirements, it will be referred for a public hearing. Petitioners will be notified in advance of the date, time and location of the public hearing, and will be allowed to offer verbal or written comments, as will other members of the public. Notice of the public hearing shall conform.

Designated Caregiver Requirements

In order to qualify for a designated caregiver registry card to legally purchase medical marijuana for a qualified patient, you must meet the following qualifications:

Be 21 years of age or older or be a parent or a minor patient.

Have not been convicted of an excluded felony offense.

Be an Arkansas resident with proof of residency (AR Driver’s License or AR State ID card).

State law prohibits members of Arkansas National Guard and United States Military from obtaining a registry ID card.

Note: Parents or legal guardians of a minor with a qualifying condition are not required to complete Criminal History Check. Parent or guardian will still register as a caregiver and pay the registry card application fee.

Not sure if you qualify to be a designated caregiver? How long will it take for your application to be processed and/or approved? Be sure to check out these Frequently Asked Questions prepared by the Arkansas Department of Health. You can also go to the State of Arkansas website for more information.

Criminal History Check

Note: Parents or legal guardians of a qualified minor are not required to complete Criminal History Check. A Parent or guardian is required to register as a caregiver and pay the registry card application fee.

Please note that online applications are preferred. If you wish to apply online, click here.

Forms can be downloaded here, or to request the forms to be mailed to you call 1-833-214-8619.

Qualified Patient Requirements

In order to qualify for a registry card to legally purchase medical marijuana, you must meet the following qualifications:

Be 18 years of age or older or be a minor patient with parental consent.

Be diagnosed with a qualifying medical condition – click here to see a list of qualifying medical conditions.

Have the official written certification from a physician.

Be an Arkansas resident with proof of residency. (AR Driver’s License or AR State ID card).

State law prohibits members of Arkansas National Guard and United States Military from obtaining a registry ID card.

Not sure if you qualify for medical marijuana? How long will it take for your application to be processed and/or approved? Be sure to check out these Frequently Asked Questions prepared by the Arkansas Department of Health. You can also go to the State of Arkansas website for more information.

Please note that online applications are preferred. If you wish to apply online, click here.

Forms can be downloaded here, or to request the forms to be mailed to you call 1-833-214-8619.

Arkansas State Athletic Commission

Welcome

The Arkansas State Athletic Commission's rules and regulations, law-definitions, and forms can be downloaded from this location. If there are any features you feel would enhance this site, please contact us by email or by phone at the numbers at the bottom of this page.

About Us

Mission Statement

The Arkansas State Athletic Commission is committed to maintaining the health, safety and welfare of the participants and the public as they are involved in the combative sports regulated by the Commission. The Commission remains committed to fair and even application of the governing statutes and the Rules and Regulations

Derrick L. Newby Sr. MPA, Consumer Member

About ASBRS

The STATE OF ARKANSAS SANITARIAN REGISTRATION ACT was signed into law on March 27th, 1957. The purpose of the Act was to define Registered Sanitarians, to create the State Board of Registration for Professional Sanitarians, and to define the powers and duties of the Board. The Act was amended in 1977, and again in 1985.

The goal of the Arkansas State Board of Registered Professional Sanitarians is to protect the public health and welfare by establishing and maintaining a high standard of integrity and dignity in the profession of Sanitarian, and to provide the best qualified Registered Sanitarians for the citizens of the State of Arkansas.

The Arkansas State Board of Sanitarians provides leadership in carrying out the duties set forth by the Board. This is done by ensuring that all Registered Sanitarians meet minimum requirements in education and experience. This includes, but is not limited to, reviewing, testing, and registering individuals who meet the requirements to practice as a Sanitarian, and to review and record required continuing education units.

Anyone holding a current Registration as a Sanitarian from another State may apply for registration in Arkansas.

The Arkansas State Board of Registered Professional Sanitarians is proud of the quality and professionalism of Arkansas Registered Professional Sanitarians. If you are interested in becoming registered in Arkansas, please visit the Licensing section of our Web Page.

Arkansas State Board of Registered Sanitarians

Welcome

Welcome to the Arkansas State Board of Registered Professional Sanitarians! We have included information on how to become a Registered Sanitarian, yearly licensing, continuing education unit requirements, Board member and other contact info, and a list of web sites that may be of interest or benefit to those visiting our web page. We encourage you to become a Registered Professional Sanitarian in Arkansas! Please contact us if there are questions, and enjoy our site!

Mission Statement

To protect the public welfare by establishing and Maintaining a high standard of integrity and dignity in the profession of Sanitarian.

Continuing Education Unit Requirements

All Registered Sanitarians are required biennially to complete a continuing education program in subjects relating to practices of the profession. A minimum of 2 CEUs (continuing education units) are required every two years. One CEU is equal to 10 contact hours, actual class or training hours. A new registered Sanitarian will be required to complete a prorated number of the biennial requirements of contact hours based on the date of registration.

If a Registered Sanitarian obtains 3 or more CEUs during a biennium, one CEU may be carried over to the next biennium to meet CEU requirements.

Credit and non-credit college courses offered by an accredited educational institution, attendance at annual conferences, short training courses, workshops, seminars, courses offered by governmental agencies or industry are all examples of possible CEU opportunities.

The Board will review all CEU submittals to determine if they are related to the functions of a Sanitarian. Sanitarians will be notified periodically on the number of CEUs they have accumulated for the current biennium.